Felix Auger-Aliassime has secured a spot in the U.S. Open semifinals, marking his second time reaching this stage at a Grand Slam event, exactly four years after his initial appearance. The 25-year-old Canadian, seeded 25th, caused an upset by defeating No. 8 seed Alex de Minaur of Australia in a tough quarterfinal match on Wednesday.
Auger-Aliassime will now face Italy’s Jannik Sinner in the upcoming semifinal clash. Reflecting on his journey, Auger-Aliassime expressed how different he feels compared to four years ago, emphasizing the growth and maturity he has gained since then. He credited his early start in the pro tour for providing him with a second chance to excel at the Grand Slam level.
The quarterfinal match between Auger-Aliassime and de Minaur was grueling, lasting over four hours and 10 minutes for just four sets. Both players struggled with double faults, but Auger-Aliassime’s impressive 22 aces ultimately made the difference. Despite the match’s challenges, Auger-Aliassime highlighted the importance of mental toughness, drawing inspiration from tennis legend Rafael Nadal’s advice on winning even when not at one’s best.
For de Minaur, the loss meant falling short once again at the quarterfinal stage of a major tournament, highlighting the intense pressure and challenges faced in high-stakes matches. Auger-Aliassime’s resilience and strategic play ultimately secured his victory, propelling him into the semifinals.
In a dramatic turn of events during the match, Auger-Aliassime’s decision to ditch his ball cap seemed to change his momentum, leading to a comeback after being down a set and a break. Despite initial setbacks with errors, Auger-Aliassime’s determination and focus in tiebreaks showcased his ability to excel under pressure.
The victory at the U.S. Open semifinals marks a significant milestone for Auger-Aliassime, boosting his ATP Tour ranking and setting the stage for a potential resurgence in his career. With a provisional ranking of No. 13, Auger-Aliassime’s performance signals a promising trajectory in the competitive world of professional tennis.
Meanwhile, in another match, Jannik Sinner secured a spot in the semifinals by defeating fellow Italian Lorenzo Musetti. Sinner’s consistent performance in Grand Slam events, including consecutive wins in hard court majors, highlights his dominance on the court and sets the stage for an exciting semifinal showdown.
Additionally, Gabriela Dabrowski and Erin Routliffe advanced to the women’s doubles final after a commanding semifinal win. The duo, aiming for another U.S. Open title, will face tough competition in the championship match, showcasing their skill and determination on the court.
As the U.S. Open continues, the stage is set for thrilling matchups and intense competition as top players vie for victory and cement their places in tennis history.
