Felix Auger-Aliassime experienced firsthand the bustling nature of New York, famously known as the city that never sleeps. The Montreal tennis sensation showcased his resilience during a marathon match that lasted three hours and 19 minutes, including a 55-minute rain delay between sets two and three, highlighting the non-stop action at the U.S. Open.
Auger-Aliassime, ranked third in the tournament, triumphed in his opening singles match on Monday night by defeating Australian player Rinky Hijiata with a score of 7-5, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5. Reflecting on the intense battle, Auger-Aliassime mentioned, “We’ve known each other since we were like 10 years old, but this is the first time we’ve played one another. He caused me a lot of problems out there … but most importantly I’m through to the next round.”
The Canadian showcased impressive stats, serving 17 aces, hitting 48 winners, and committing 11 double faults. Despite 50 unforced errors, Auger-Aliassime managed to win 18 out of 22 service games and six out of 21 return games. His next opponent will be Russian player Karen Khachanov, who secured a victory over Roman Burruchaga of Argentina in straight sets.
In other matches, Denis Shapovalov from Richmond Hill, Ont., is set to compete in his second-round men’s singles match against France’s Luca Van Assche on Wednesday. Shapovalov emerged victorious against Miomir Kecmanovic of Serbia in four sets, while Van Assche defeated Britain’s Cameron Norrie in a similar fashion.
Leylah Fernandez from Laval, Que., is also gearing up for her second-round women’s singles match against Thailand’s Mananchaya Sawangkaew on Wednesday. Fernandez dominated her previous match against Shuai Zhang of China in straight sets, while Sawangkaew secured a win over Panna Udvardy of Hungary with a similar scoreline.
