Arizona Tribune - Auger-Aliassime out of Metz Open despite not yet securing ATP Finals spot

By reaching the title-decider in Paris, the 25-year-old Canadian moved into the final qualifying berth in the race to the season-ending tournament in Turin.

However, his 6-4 7-6 (7/4) loss to Sinner prevented him from sewing up his spot at the eight-man event as he sits just 160 points ahead of Italy's Lorenzo Musetti in ninth place.

After an early exit in Paris, Musetti decided to enter next week's ATP 250 tournament in Athens, where he could earn up to 250 points, while Auger-Aliassime had intially been scheduled to play in Metz at the same time.

"I won't be going," Auger-Aliassime told reporters in the French capital.

"I've been struggling with a lot of physical issues this week. I'm not going to make the same mistakes I made in the past. My physical condition and health are really my priority, above qualifying."

After a stellar week at La Defense Arena, Auger-Aliassime leapfrogged Musetti in the race to Turin, and in the process also climbed above him in the world rankings as he moved up to eighth.

"If I qualify, great. If not, Lorenzo will deserve his place," added Auger-Aliassime, who could make a second appearance at the ATP Finals.

Th.Gonzalez--AT