ATP Finals: Jannik Sinner shines in Turin as title defence begins with commanding win

The pair clashed in a round-robin match at a packed Inalpi Arena in Turin on Monday.

The 24-year-old Italian, roared on by an enthusiastic home crowd, extended his remarkable indoor hardcourt winning streak to 27 matches - his last defeat on such a surface coming against Novak Djokovic in the 2023 ATP Finals decider.

Sinner, who is battling Carlos Alcaraz for the year-end world number one ranking, must win the title again to keep his hopes alive, while Alcaraz can secure top spot by claiming two more victories following his own opening win.

Facing Auger-Aliassime for the fourth time since August - and just eight days after defeating him again - Sinner made a sharp start, winning the first game to love and losing only three points on serve in a dominant opening set.

Despite striking eight aces and saving four break points, the Canadian was broken once to concede it 7-5.

An early break and a flurry of crisp backhand winners saw Sinner race 3-0 ahead in the second.

Auger-Aliassime, struggling with a left calf problem that required a medical timeout, fought valiantly but was overpowered as Sinner sealed the match with an ace, prompting a standing ovation from the Turin faithful.

"It was a very tough match until 6-5 in the first set," said Sinner.

"I had some chances to break. He served very, very well. He played some very aggressive tennis. I'm happy I could overcome a tough test today.

"Obviously, winning the first match is very important in this format. So I'm very happy. Let's see what's coming. I hope it's nothing too serious for Felix. I wish him a very speedy recovery. We all hope he's getting back to 100 per-cent physically." 

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