Felix Auger-Aliassime reacts to thrashing Diego Schwartzman at Rome Masters

Rising Canadian star Felix Auger-Aliassime was happy that he was able to successfully implement his game plan against top-ranked Argentine tennis player Diego Schwartzman.

Auger-Aliassime, ranked at No. 21 in the world, demolished Schwartzman as he handed the Argentine a 6-1 6-3 loss. 

Auger-Aliassime, a former world No. 17, is making his third appearance at the Rome Masters.

For the first time in his short career, the Canadian has made the round-of-16 at the Rome Masters. 

"It was tricky conditions overall. A lot of rain, heavy conditions. I think maybe it suited me better. I think he was struggling to find openings on the court," Auger-Aliassime said. "I took advantage of that. I kept going for my shot with no hesitation, stuck to my game plan. I was able to do that well outside of the little bit of slump in the second."

Auger-Aliassime dominated Schwartzman 

Auger-Aliassime made a perfect start to the match as he broke Schwartzman in the second game, before serving out in the following game for a 3-0 lead. 

Schwartzman won the fourth game to get on the board but it didn't change much as Auger-Aliassime claimed his second break in the sixth game, before serving out for the opener in the seventh game.

Auger-Aliassime claimed the first break of the second set in the third game but his lead was short-lived as Schwartzman broke back in the following game to level the set at two games apiece. 

But Schwartzman dropped his serve in the fifth game and ninth game as Auger-Aliassime booked a straight-set win. 

"Of course, Diego is a tough opponent always. Again, sometimes matches against those ranked 20, 30, 40, are tougher," Auger-Aliassime said. "Most of the time players in the Top 10 are tough. For me it's just two men trying to win. That's really what it is."

Auger-Aliassime plays next against the winner of the match between David Goffin and Federico Delbonis. 

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/3eFVnJ0