Three Canadians up, three Canadians in.
Félix Auger-Aliassime followed compatriots Leylah Annie Fernandez and Denis Shapovalov into the US Open second round, beating Rinky Hijikata 7-5, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 on Monday.
The Canadian No. 1 was firing in the over three-hour match, finishing the contest with 48 winners and 17 aces. Some of the Montreal-native’s 50 unforced errors were untimely on occasion as many led to losses of serve, but the No. 3 seed still came out with most of the night’s breaks, converting on six of 13 break points.
Auger-Aliassime applied the first bit of pressure early on after powering a return winner at 1-2, 30-all. However, the Australian saved break point, then turned things up a notch on his own return in the ensuing game. The world No. 85 began taking Auger-Aliassime’s serve early, and that tactic paid off as Hijikata broke then consolidated to lead 4-2.
The Australian was strong behind his delivery, until the momentum switched drastically in favour of Auger-Aliassime. With Hijikata serving for the set at 4-5, 15-all, a backhand passing shot from the Canadian sparked a winning run of seven-straight points as the world No. 4 held the 6-5 edge.
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At 15-30 in the 12th game, another Auger-Aliassime backhand pass gave him two set points on return, and the 25-year-old converted on the second try to steal the opener.
Auger-Aliassime was in the same situation in the second set. The Montrealer committed back-to-back double faults in the fifth game, which soon led to Hijikata breaking at love-40. The Aussie backed up the break to gain the 4-2 advantage.
However, on this occasion, Auger-Aliassime couldn’t reverse the deficit. The third seed had the chance to draw level with three break opportunities, including one at 5-4, 30-40, but the Canuck failed to extend the set as Hijikata served out the second.
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Following a length rain delay, both players returned to the court for the third set, marking the beginning of a best-of-three contest.
Auger-Aliassime was the sharper player at the restart, breaking in Hijikata in the Aussie’s opening service game to take the quick 2-0 lead. The Canadian then had to fight off four break points to avoid the break back and stretch his advantage to 3-0. Despite losing serve in the fifth game, Auger-Aliassime responded right away before eventually serving out the set at 5-3.
The two-time US Open semifinalist had his best service performance of the night in the fourth, conceding just three points through his first four games on serve. Auger-Aliassime then had the chance to inch closer to the second round with a break point at 4-4, 30-40, and the Canuck converted thanks to an emphatic return winner.
Auger-Aliassime made things interesting, though. The Montrealer was unable to capitalize on two match points and was broken when serving for the contest but immediately broke back to get another opportunity to serve out the match at 6-5. This time, the 25-year-old held triple match point and sealed the victory on the first attempt.
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Auger-Aliassime will now meet Karen Khachanov, a former National Bank Open finalist, in round two on Thursday.
The Davis Cup is coming to Quebec City September 18 and 19 as Team Canada hosts France in the Davis Cup Qualifiers Second Round. Tickets are on sale now. CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR TICKETS!
Feature Photo: Sarah-Jade Champagne
