NEW YORK — Under the bright lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium, Canada's Felix Auger-Aliassime delivered a masterclass performance on Monday, dismantling Russia's Andrey Rublev 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 to storm into the US Open quarterfinals.
The 24-year-old from Montreal was in imperious form, showcasing a level of power, precision, and tactical discipline that has been building throughout the fortnight. This victory marks his return to the last eight at Flushing Meadows for the first time since his semifinal run in 2021, a significant milestone in his comeback from an injury-plagued 2023 season.
Speaking to the media after the match, an elated Auger-Aliassime emphasized his focus on staying present and capitalizing on the moment. "I'm just trying to soak up every moment," he said. "It feels great. It's been a while since I've been in the quarterfinals here. I have great memories from 2021, and I'm just happy to be playing at this level again."
A Commanding Performance
From the first serve, Auger-Aliassime seized control. His game plan was executed to near perfection, targeting Rublev's vulnerable backhand wing with heavy, deep forehands and utilizing his own devastating first serve. He fired 16 aces and won a staggering 90% of points behind his first serve, giving the eighth-seeded Rublev no opportunity to gain a foothold in the match.
The key statistics from the match paint a picture of Auger-Aliassime's dominance:
- First Serve Points Won: Auger-Aliassime 90% vs. Rublev 65%
- Aces: Auger-Aliassime 16 vs. Rublev 5
- Break Points Saved: Auger-Aliassime 4/4 vs. Rublev 1/4
- Unforced Errors: Auger-Aliassime 20 vs. Rublev 31
Perhaps most impressively, Auger-Aliassime saved all four break points he faced, demonstrating immense mental fortitude in the match's crucial moments. Each time Rublev threatened, the Canadian responded with a huge serve or a fearless winner, effectively snuffing out any hope of a comeback.
The Road to Redemption
This deep run in New York represents a triumphant return to form for Auger-Aliassime. For much of 2023 and the start of 2024, he was hampered by a persistent knee injury that saw his ranking plummet from a career-high of No. 6 to outside the top 30. The struggle was as much mental as it was physical, with the Canadian openly discussing the frustrations of being unable to compete at his best.
His coach, Frédéric Fontang, has been instrumental in the rebuild, focusing not just on physical recovery but on rebuilding the confidence that made him one of the most feared young players on tour. "The work is never done," Auger-Aliassime noted. "But we've been building step by step, and to see it pay off on a stage like this is incredibly rewarding for me and my team."
A Daunting Quarterfinal Challenge
Awaiting Auger-Aliassime in the quarterfinals is a monumental challenge: a clash with the legendary Novak Djokovic. The second-seeded Serb advanced after his opponent, Holger Rune, retired from their match. This will be the eighth meeting between the two, with Djokovic holding a commanding 6-1 head-to-head advantage.
However, Auger-Aliassime owns the most significant victory in their rivalry, a stunning straight-sets win over the then-world No. 1 at the 2022 Laver Cup. While that was a team event, it proved that he has the game to trouble the 24-time major champion. The Canadian acknowledged the difficulty of the task ahead but embraced the opportunity.
"It's the ultimate test," he said of facing Djokovic. "He's one of the greatest of all time, if not the greatest. You have to be ready from the first point to the last. I'll have to serve well, be aggressive, and try to take my chances when they come. It's a match I will prepare for and one I will believe I can win."
Soaking Up the New York Atmosphere
Beyond the tennis, Auger-Aliassime has spoken about embracing the unique energy of the US Open. The night sessions on Ashe, the passionate crowds, and the electric atmosphere in Flushing Meadows have all contributed to his positive mindset throughout the tournament.
"There's nothing quite like it," he mused. "You walk out there and you feel the history. You feel the energy from the crowd. It can make you nervous, but it can also lift you up. I'm trying to enjoy that feeling, to really be present in it, because these are the moments we work for."
This philosophical approach has been a hallmark of his current campaign. Rather than putting immense pressure on himself to return to his previous heights, he has focused on the process, the love of competition, and the joy of being healthy enough to battle with the best players in the world.
A Nation's Hopes
With his victory, Auger-Aliassime continues to carry the torch for Canadian tennis. He is now the last Canadian standing in the singles draws after the exits of Leylah Fernandez and Milos Raonic. His success, alongside that of Bianca Andreescu and Denis Shapovalov in recent years, has cemented Canada's place as a powerhouse in the sport.
Canadian fans, known for their vocal support in New York, have been out in force for his matches, creating a palpable home-court advantage. "The support means everything," Auger-Aliassime said. "To see the flags and hear the cheers, it gives you an extra push, especially in those tough moments in a match."
As he prepares for his showdown with Djokovic, Felix Auger-Aliassime is not just playing for a spot in the semifinals; he is playing with a renewed sense of belief and purpose. His journey back to the top echelons of the game is well underway, and regardless of the next result, his statement victory over Rublev has announced that he is once again a force to be reckoned with on tennis's biggest stages.