Defending champion Jannik Sinner kicked off his title defense on a winning note, beating ailing Felix Auger-Aliassime in his opening match of the Nitto ATP Finals by 7-5, 6-1 at Turin on Monday evening. 

The Canadian was struggling with his left leg injury and the home favorite made the most of it. Sinner didn’t lose a single point on his first serve in the opening set against Auger-Aliassime and he was at his brutal best in the second set to secure a straight set win in one hour and 41 minutes.

The Italian has not dropped a set at the Nitto ATP Finals since his 2023 final defeat to Novak Djokovic.

“It was a very tough match until 6-5,” said Sinner. “I had some chances to break. He served very well, only once I missed a return, but it can happen. 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. I’m very happy.

“I hope it‘s nothing too serious. I wish him obviously a very speedy recovery and hopefully he is back to 100 per cent physically.”

Felix admitted it is challenging to beat Jannik Sinner anywhere in the world and the Italian started amazingly against him.

“He’s tough to beat anywhere, especially here,” Auger-Aliassime said of Sinner. “He started off amazing [and] never looked back really. From the first point to the last, he was amazing. Toughest guy to beat here.”

Speaking on playing against an ailing player, Sinner said it was important for him to stay consistent.

“You still have to be very consistent, with a great balance on the court,” said Sinner, when asked about facing a physically struggling opponent. “Especially mentally, it is a bit different, but at the same time it is an advantage. You have to say that. You have to use it in the right way, even if you don’t want it to be like this.

Sinner will next take on either Ben Shelton or Alexander Zverev on Thursday.