Felix Auger-Aliassime delivered a stunning upset at the US Open on Sunday, defeating fifth-seeded Alexander Zverev in a grueling four-set match to reach the Round of 16. The Canadian prevailed 6-7(5), 7-6(8), 6-4, 6-4 after three hours and 48 minutes of play inside Louis Armstrong Stadium.
This marks Auger-Aliassime’s frist victory over a Top-5 opponent in a major tournament, breaking a previous 0-6 record. The win is particularly significant as Zverev entered the match with a 6-2 Lexus ATP Head2Head advantage over Auger-Aliassime. The 25-year-old will now face 15th seed Andrey Rublev, who defeated Coleman Wong in a five-set thriller, for a place in the quarter-finals.”I’ve been coming here since 2018. I’m still young, but it’s been a few years and I’m working my way,” Auger-Aliassime said. “Obviously job’s not done. The tournament’s still going, but this means a lot to me. A lot of hard work, many years.”
Auger-Aliassime won 24 of his 27 net points and overcame a nervous start, ultimately capitalizing on a crucial tie-break in the second set. Despite Zverev’s strong serving, Auger-Aliassime maintained his aggressive play, particularly with his forehand.
“It was a nervous start the first few games and after it was pretty crazy, pretty flawless. But still sascha was serving unbelievable, so it was tough to get a break,” Auger-Aliassime explained.”I got a bit lucky in the tie-break that it went my way, but with the way I played in the third and fourth, I still think whatever happened in the second, I would give myself a chance. I was seeing it big today and it’s good when you feel like that on the court, without a doubt.”
Auger-Aliassime previously defeated Zverev at wimbledon in 2021. Rublev holds a 7-1 Lexus ATP Head2Head lead heading into their quarter-final showdown.
“I think I would be a fool not to [use his win for confidence],” Auger-Aliassime stated. “Even though I looked not tired, it was tough on the legs, a lot of sprints, a lot of forehands. I’ll try to recover my best. But these guys - Sascha, Andrey – these are all top players and they’ve been at the top of the game for many years, but I’m trying to be battling with them in those matches for sure.”
