Auger-Aliassime Advances to Miami Open Quarterfinals

Felix Auger-Aliassime returns volley during his match against Nikolas Basilashvili in the fourth round of the Miami Open.

Canadian teen Felix Auger-Aliassime understands expectations are part of the deal when in the position of being a future star in the sport of tennis. Auger-Aliassime also knows that he no longer has to bear that burden after advancing to the Miami Open quarterfinals.

Auger-Aliassime, after winning matches in the first, second and third rounds, succeeded in a two set victory over Nikolas Basilashvili at the Miami Open on Tuesday. At 18, the Montreal native, who qualified after winning two qualifying matches showed poise and patience of a pro in his win over Basilashvili.

The win for the 57th seeded Felix Auger-Aliassime will see his world rank jump to at least 41 next week. Born in the 2000’s, he is the first to make it into the top 50 and joins Denis Shapovalov, who is seeded 24th. For tennis sportsbooks, it is information worth noting leading as the quarterfinals get underway. Commenting on the expectations felt by younger players, Auger-Aliassime said,

“Yeah, we are definitely seeing it and feeling it, but I think it’s all positives. I don’t think anyone sees it as an extra pressure or anything. I think we’re all just enjoying our time and enjoying the fact that we are three young players plus (veteran Milos Raonic) that are playing, you know, good at the same time. Having examples like this in the country is crucial. I remember for me it was. So to be able now to give back and inspire younger kids is a privilege.”

Auger-Aliassime is only the second qualifier in twenty years to make it to the quarterfinals in Miami. The other was Guillermo Canas from Argentina who, in 2007, made it through to the finals. This will end Auger-Aliassime days of having to qualify now that is rank will improve. Deadlines for entry are often weeks in advance of the tournament and this year, at 57th, it wasn’t good enough to gain him automatic entry. The quarterfinals will see Auger-Aliassime facing Croatia’s Borna Coric, who is seeded 11th. Speaking on the upcoming match, the Montreal native said,

“Coric is one of the most solid players on the tour from the baseline, super disciplined. I would have to, you know, find ways to create some space. Maybe finish the points at the net a little bit more.”

Much of the match was dominated by Basilashvili, who is known for being a hard hitter. Basilashvili managed to go by one game in late in the first set; however, Auger-Aliassime fought back to tie the set 6-6. The tiebreaker saw Auger-Aliassime serving two back-t0-back aces, and that was followed by Basilashvili double faulting. Auger-Aliassime twice broke Basilashvili in the second set and that allowed him to gain an advantage after winning the serve in the final game. Commenting on the tiebreak, Auger-Aliassime said,

“I think in the tiebreak, I was able to be a bit more solid and pressure him a little bit more, and it really made a difference. After, I felt like I had an edge over him in the second set, being up a break twice and being able to secure my serve at the end. So it was more my way then.”

In other Miami Open news, 20th seeded Canadian Denis Shapovalov, defeated Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas during their fourth round match 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 to advance to the quarterfinals. He next will face Frances Tiafoe. Shapovalov will also play in the doubles quarterfinal with partner Rohan Bopanna against Americans Bob and Mike Bryan on Wednesday.

Author Heidi is has always been travelling the globe as such she is the perfect writer for world news, she has a keen interest in tennis as she used play at senior level for her college.