2020 in Review: Felix Auger-Aliassime eases past tired Andy Murray at the US Open

The 20-year-old Felix Auger-Aliassime advanced to the US Open third round for the first time, defeating a former champion Andy Murray in straight sets. Two days earlier, Andy had to fight against a match point versus Yoshihito Nishioka, prevailing after four and a half hours from two sets to love down and having nothing left in the tank for his next opponent. The Canadian delivered a flawless performance to celebrate a 6-2, 6-3, 6-4 triumph in two hours and seven minutes, blasting 24 aces and dropping only 14 points behind the initial shot. With nothing working his way on the return, Andy had to dig deep in his service games to remain in touch, unable to follow rival's pace and suffering four breaks from nine opportunities offered to the youngster. Felix had 52 winners and 30 unforced errors, staying in front in the rallies and reducing a three-time Major winner to less than ten direct points!

Andy played better and better as the encounter progressed, but it wasn't enough for at least a set, failing to reach the New York third round since the quarter-final in 2016. Looking sharp and aggressive, Auger-Aliassime held at love in the first game and forced an error from Murray in the next one for an instant break and a 2-0 advantage. Felix confirmed the break with an ace before Andy got his name on the scoreboard with a hold in game four. After three deuces in game six, the Briton remained within one break deficit but fell 5-2 down following another ace from the Canadian.

Felix Auger-Aliassime defeated Andy Murray in straight sets in New York.

The youngster secured the set with another break in the eighth game, landing a return winner for 6-2 after 42 minutes. The second set saw seven comfortable holds on both sides, with Murray finding the rhythm behind the initial shot to remain in touch and improve hias chances.

Auger-Aliassime held with an ace in game seven and grabbed a break in the next when Andy netted a backhand, opening a 5-3 gap and sealing the set with another ace down the T line after 82 minutes for a massive two sets to love advantage. Felix sailed through his service games in the third set and delivered a nice mixture of booming serves and efficient first groundstrokes to keep the pressure on the other side of the court. He stole Murray's serve at 2-2 following a terrible backhand from the Briton, moving in front and cementing the advantage with a hold at love. Serving at 4-3, the Canadian held at love again, repeating that at 5-4 to seal the deal in style and topple a great opponent.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/3aRCrW2