Photo: Martin Sidorjak

After struggling through five sets of 2-6, 2-6, 6-1, 6-3, 6-3 to defeat Juan Pablo Varillas on Sunday for his first-ever victory at the French Open, Félix Auger-Aliassime was more efficient in the second round. The tournament’s ninth seed needed only two hours and 17 minutes to defeat Argentine Camilo Ugo Carabelli, another qualifier, 6-0, 6-3, 6-4.

The Canadian was relentless in the early going, dominating his rival by winning the first seven games of the match, including three breaks of serve. In the second set, Carabelli, ranked no. 155 in the world, seemed to regain some of the form that helped him earn an upset win over world no. 41 Aslan Karatsev in the first round. However, Auger-Aliassime continued to put pressure on his rival and managed to convert his third break point opportunity of the set to take a 4-2 lead. This advantage was enough to take the set and give him a strong chance to win the match. 

Auger-Aliassime continued his mission in the third frame, easily winning his service games while also playing with more and more freedom. Once again, a single break – in the third game – made the difference and allowed the Canadian to complete the victory on his fourth match point.

During the match, Auger-Aliassime produced eight aces and won 75 percent of his first serve points. He also saved all five break points he faced while breaking Carabelli’s serve on five different occasions.

In the third round, he will face the winner of the match between Serbian Filip Krajinovic, who sits at no. 55 on the ATP rankings, and Croatia’s Borna Gojo, ranked no. 223 in the world. It would be his first match against Gojo and fifth against Krajinovic, with Auger-Aliassime having won their two most recent matches.

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