Felix Auger-Aliassime refuses to compare Jannik Sinner to Roger Federer & other all-time greats, but says Italian has best serve-return combo now

Felix Auger-Aliassime lauded Jannik Sinner's on-court skills following their clash at the opening match of the ATP Finals. The season-ending tournament is scheduled to be played from November 9 to 16.

Sinner and Auger-Aliassime contested against each other in the opening match of the ATP Finals. The Italian got off to a strong start, as he claimed a 7-5, 6-1 victory over the Canadian. The former did not encounter a single break point and won 89% of points on his first serve. On the other hand, the World No. 8 took multiple medical time-outs due to a left leg injury.

Following the showdown, Auger-Aliassime sat for a press conference, where he fielded questions surrounding the ins and outs of his game against the World No. 2. During the Paris Masters, the 25-year-old had praised Jannik Sinner's serve and return combination.

Reflecting on that remark, the interviewer asked him whether the Italian currently has the best combo in tennis. Replying to this, Auger-Aliassime said:

"That I've played, yeah. I've never played maybe like Roger in his prime. But yeah, I think for now, because the way you start a match, All right, go ahead, serve. But him, four first serves pretty much on the lines, serving I think like almost 80% first serves in the first set. Also returning, doesn't really miss second-serve returns. He missed actually a few, which is rare. But yeah, probably the best combination," said Auger Aliassime.

Jannik Sinner opens up about his victory against Felix Auger-Aliassime at ATP Finals

After his triumph in the opening match against Felix Auger-Aliassime, Jannik Sinner, who is looking to defend his ATP Finals title, sat for a press conference. He made his feelings known about the showdown, stating that it was a 'tough' match until his opponent started struggling with his leg injury.

"It was very tough until 6-5 and then he had a physical issue. It's a special tournament and place for me. I have a very difficult group, with people who serve really, really strong. You need to remain focused practically the entire match because the moment you concede a break it's tough to come back," said Jannik Sinner, as quoted by CBC Sports.

The Italian won the 2024 Nitto ATP Finals by besting Taylor Fritz in the final round. He toppled the American by registering a two-set (6-4, 6-4) victory.

Jannik Sinner is now scheduled to lock horns with Alexander Zverev in the upcoming round of the 2025 ATP Finals on November 13 at the Pala Alpitour.

Edited by Hitesh Nigam