Sinner storms past Auger-Aliassime to begin ATP Finals defence

TURIN, Italy :Italy's Jannik Sinner began his bid to retain the ATP Finals title with a resounding 7-5 6-1 win over injury-hit Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime in their round-robin clash at a packed Inalpi Arena on Monday.

The pair were meeting for the fourth time since August, and eight days after their last clash, with the outcome the same as Sinner eased into the match before overpowering Auger-Aliassime, who needed medical attention during the second set.

Sinner extended his incredible indoor hardcourt winning streak to 27 matches, his last defeat on the surface coming against Novak Djokovic in the 2023 ATP Finals decider.

The Italian is also in a battle with Carlos Alcaraz to end the year as world number one. Sinner must retain his title in Turin to have any chance, while the Spaniard can secure the prize by winning two more matches after victory in his opener.

Sinner began with intent by winning the first game to love and went on to give up just three points on serve in the opening set while forcing five break points, displaying an impressive mixture of sharp backhand and forehand shots down the line.

Auger-Aliassime hung in, smashing eight aces to Sinner's one during the first set, often at just the right time as he saved four break points, but the Italian came through when it mattered, breaking to win the set.

"It was a very tough match until 6-5. I had some chances to break," Sinner said.

"He played some very aggressive tennis, so I'm happy to overcome a very tough test today. Obviously winning the first match is very important in this competition and this format."

Sinner stormed into a 3-0 lead in the second and his opponent took a medical timeout for a problem in his left calf.

"I hope it's nothing too serious," Sinner