Auger-Aliassime outlasts U.S. Open fans favorite Tiafoe

Felix Auger- Aliassime

Felix Auger- Aliassime

Felix Auger-Aliassime broke through Frances Tiafoe’s defences to win 4-6 6-2 7-6(6) 6-4 at the U.S. Open on Sunday and book a spot in the quarter finals.

Both players came into the fourth round tie at Arthur Ashe Stadium on the back of tough five-setters.

But it was 23-year-old Tiafoe who started the brighter, going up a break after the first game and shutting down all eight of the Canadian’s break point opportunities to go up 1-0.

Auger-Aliassime, 21, came roaring back in the second set, however, winning all but one of his first-serve points and making just four unforced errors to level the match.

Auger-Aliassime, seeded 12th, rocketed four aces in the ninth game of the third set and twice had a chance to close out the set in the 10th.

But American Tiafoe dug in his heels to hold serve and fire up his fans in the New York crowd.

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Feeding off the energy, Tiafoe then went 3-1 up in a tiebreak but Auger-Aliassime battled back before clinching the final three points to close out the set.

Auger-Aliassime broke to kick off the fourth set and immediately fought off three break points to hold his own serve, going on to clinch the match with a forehand winner and reach his second consecutive Grand Slam quarter-final.

Tiafoe left the court to wild applause and his opponent praised his efforts.

“I understand supporting your fellow American — he deserves the applause, he’s done an amazing effort,” he said in an on-court interview.

Next up for Auger-Aliassime is 18-year-old Carlos Alcaraz, the youngest male player to reach the quarter-finals at Flushing Meadows in the Open era.

“He’s a great player. At some point, age is just a number and he already feels like a player that’s established,” said the Canadian.

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