Photo: Peter Staples/ATP Tour
Having reached the second round at the Australian Open for the first time in his career, Félix Auger-Aliassime was taking on James Duckworth of Australia. This was the second meeting between the two players in a main draw, with the Canadian winning their match in Adelaide last year.
In the opening set, the Canadian got off to an early lead and played at a consistent level throughout. After a tighter game at the end of the set, he managed to close it out with some very impressive shot making.
And while he demonstrated his ease in playing an aggressive game, Auger-Aliassime also showcased some stellar defence, running down a number shots all over the court. His athleticism, power and shot making abilities were on full display.
Auger-Aliassime continued to dominate play in the second and third sets, firing 19 aces and 38 winners in the match. He needed just under two hours to overcome his opponent by a score of 6-4, 6-1, 6-2.
There could be an all-Canadian third round on the horizon as next up for the Canadian could be compatriot Denis Shapovalov, who will take on Bernard Tomic later in the night.
For his part, Milos Raonic was taking on French youngster Corentin Moutet in the second round, playing under the blazing Australian sun.
The Canadian got three break point opportunities in the first set, but was unable to take advantage of any of them. After dropping the opener in a disappointing tiebreak, Raonic flicked an internal switch and elevated his play at all levels to dominate his opponent.
He put on a clinic in the second and third sets, playing some strong service games and capitalizing on most of his break points. The play of the Canadian was too much for the Frenchman, as Raonic battled back from a set down and sailed through the rest of the match. Raonic moves into the third round thanks to a 6-7(1), 6-1, 6-1, 6-4 victory.
Up next for the Ontarian will be Marton Fucsovics of Hungary who defeated Stan Wawrinka in a five-set thriller.