Is Sinner’s return to world No.1 inevitable? Netizens point out why Auger-Aliassime struggles to stop the Italian from winning the title

This year’s Paris Masters final appears to be more intense than last year’s! The result of this crucial duel will directly affect Sinner and Auger-Aliassime’s futures: whether Sinner can regain the world No.1 ranking, and whether Auger-Aliassime can lock in qualification for the year-end Finals.

Before Sinner and Auger-Aliassime clashed in the final, the anticipated opponent for the Italian was Asia’s No.1, Rublev.

Based on previous encounters between Sinner and Zverev, many believed the German star might pose some challenge to the Italian. However, stopping him from reaching the final was considered very difficult for two main reasons: first, indoor courts favor Sinner; second, with Sinner just one step away from replacing Alcaraz as world No.1 and often dubbed an “AI” by fans, the chance of him faltering at such a critical moment is very slim.

Yet after the match between Sinner and Zverev, no one expected the German’s performance to be so disappointing. Instead of putting up a strong fight against the Italian, Zverev was ruthlessly dominated—losing without scoring a game and being likened to a “breakfast delivery man,” shocking the public.

Therefore, whether Auger-Aliassime or Rublev becomes Sinner’s final opponent also means whether anyone can stop the Italian from winning and shatter his hopes of reclaiming the world No.1 spot in Paris.

Why do many think Rublev poses a greater threat to Sinner in the final? In their four previous meetings, the Asian No.1 has managed to win once against the Italian. Moreover, Rublev has been playing very well at this year’s Paris Masters. Holding the only win in their head-to-head suggests Rublev isn’t intimidated by Sinner. Known for his aggressive style, if Rublev’s form peaks at the right time, trouble for the Italian is likely, and anything could happen.

Unexpectedly, the highly favored Rublev showed weakness against Auger-Aliassime at a crucial moment. Despite leading 4-1 in the second set, he was overturned and lost in straight sets to the Canadian, dashing public expectations.

With Auger-Aliassime confirmed as Sinner’s opponent in the Paris Masters final, many immediately thought the Italian’s championship is secured, saying, “Alcaraz must be crying in the bathroom now; the world No.1 title will definitely change hands next week.”

Judging by Auger-Aliassime’s straight-sets win over Rublev in the semifinals, the Canadian seems to be in good form and shows great resilience. So why do many doubt he can pull off an upset and prevent the Italian from winning the Paris Masters?

From Sinner’s dominant straight-sets victory over Zverev, a netizen pointed out the reason: the Italian now looks like a war god, fiercely determined with confidence and morale at their peak. Sinner’s ability surpasses Auger-Aliassime’s, and considering the Canadian has never beaten the Italian before, both skill and psychological factors favor Sinner. Naturally, many believe the Italian’s title is almost guaranteed, and the trophy could be handed to him in advance.

“With the Canadian making the final, Sinner’s chances of winning are even greater.” This comment resonated with many because Auger-Aliassime’s presence in the final is seen as a mere formality, unlikely to challenge the Italian. His style is completely different from Rublev’s aggressive approach, leaving him with almost no chance.

However, some argue that although Auger-Aliassime appears to have no advantage on paper, the current situation might allow the Canadian to perform differently against Sinner.

Currently, the Canadian is competing with Musetti for a spot at the year-end Finals. If he can defeat Sinner and claim the title, he will achieve his goal; otherwise, he will continue to battle with Sinner next week for that ticket.

This is considered the driving motivation for Auger-Aliassime, who will surely try every possible way to beat Sinner and avoid further struggles next week.

Yet some remain skeptical, pointing out that while the year-end Finals qualification seems like an advantage, it also adds pressure. Bearing this burden makes it even harder to overcome a fired-up Sinner aiming to reclaim the world No.1 spot.

How Sinner will crush Auger-Aliassime’s ambitions, and whether the Canadian can give his all to create a miracle against the Italian, has turned this Paris Masters final into a widely anticipated event. Everyone awaits the final outcome with great excitement!(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Starry Moon River)