Felix Auger-Aliassime's ATP Finals chances left hanging by a thread after Basel nightmare

Felix Auger-Aliassime was looking to move one step closer to ATP Finals qualification at the Swiss Indoors.

Defeating Gabriel Diallo and Marin Cilic, the Canadian advanced to the quarterfinals in Basel.

There, he met Spain’s Jaume Munar, who stunned Ben Shelton in his previous match.

Auger-Aliassime struggled early on against Munar and dropped the first set to the Spaniard 6-3.

To the surprise of both Munar and those in attendance, Auger-Aliassime offered his hand to the world number 42 and retired from the match.

Exiting the competition at the quarterfinal stage, Auger-Aliassime’s chances of reaching the ATP Finals in Turin took a big hit.

Felix Auger-Aliassime leaves himself with a lot of work to do in Paris

The Canadian number one sits ninth in the ‘Live ATP Race to Turin’, 380 points off Lorenzo Musetti, who currently occupies the final qualification spot.

That gap could yet widen, with Musetti still alive in the Vienna Open draw.

Not only does Auger-Aliassime have a mountain to climb in the Race, but he now also has an injury to contend with.

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Sky Sports commentary believes the Canadian retired due to a back injury in Basel, although it is unclear how long it will take him to recover.

Should he be fit to play in Paris, he will need a deep run to keep his ATP Finals hopes alive.

There are plenty of points on offer, but only a run to the semifinals or better will see him leapfrog Musetti into the all-important qualification spot.

Paris Masters points distribution

However, even if Auger-Aliassime doesn’t gain enough points from Paris to qualify, he will still have one more chance to book his ticket to Turin…

Where will Felix Auger-Aliassime play after the Paris Masters?

Players can contest one of two ATP 250 events in the final week before the ATP Race finishes.

Auger-Aliassime has entered into the Moselle Open in Metz, France, and is set to compete as the number-one seed.

Should he win the title, he’d pick up 250 points, which could be vital in his bid to reach the ATP Finals for the first time since 2022.

Moselle Open points distribution

However, if he doesn’t close the gap to Musetti to within 250 points before the tournament begins, the likelihood is that he will withdraw from the Moselle Open.

Auger-Aliassime won’t want to concern himself with a visit to Metz just yet, as he now focuses on his recovery ahead of the Paris Masters.

The 2025 Paris Masters is scheduled to begin on Monday, October 27.

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