Felix Auger-Aliassime understands the reputation of New York as the city that never sleeps. He experienced a late start and a lengthy match lasting three hours and 19 minutes, including a 55-minute rain delay between the second and third sets. The Montreal tennis player can empathize with the non-stop energy of The Big Apple.
Auger-Aliassime, ranked third at the U.S. Open, emerged victorious in his first-round singles match on Monday night by defeating Australia’s Rinky Hijiata with a score of 7-5, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5. Despite facing challenges from his opponent, Auger-Aliassime expressed relief at securing a spot in the next round.
During the match, the Canadian showcased an impressive performance with 17 aces, 48 winners, and 11 double faults, along with 50 unforced errors. Auger-Aliassime won 18 out of 22 service games and six out of 21 return games. He now prepares to face Russian player Karen Khachanov in the upcoming round, who defeated Roman Burruchaga of Argentina in straight sets.
In other U.S. Open matches, Denis Shapovalov from Richmond Hill, Ont., is set to compete in his second-round men’s singles match against Luca Van Assche of France on Wednesday. Shapovalov secured a victory over Miomir Kecmanovic of Serbia in four sets, while Van Assche also won his match against Britain’s Cameron Norrie in four sets.
Additionally, Leylah Fernandez from Laval, Que., is scheduled to play her second-round women’s singles match against Mananchaya Sawangkaew of Thailand on Wednesday. Fernandez triumphed over Shuai Zhang of China in straight sets, while Sawangkaew emerged victorious against Panna Udvardy of Hungary in straight sets.
The U.S. Open continues to showcase thrilling matches as top players compete for victory on the grand stage of tennis.