MASON: In a thrilling display of resilience, Felix Auger-Aliassime managed to break free from a challenging five-match losing streak. The Canadian tennis sensation orchestrated an impressive comeback, conquering Matteo Berrettini with a final score of 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 at the Cincinnati Open on Monday. This spectacular victory not only marked an end to his losing streak but also set the stage for an enticing second-round showdown against Adrian Mannarino.
Auger-Aliassime’s journey this season has been riddled with obstacles, primarily a persistent knee injury and moments of apparent self-doubt. The match against Berrettini began with the Italian securing the first service break in the fifth game, subsequently clinching the initial set. However, the Canadian dynamo turned the tide during the following two sets, managing to avoid being broken again. Auger-Aliassime’s forehand found its mark, and his agility on the court extended rallies effectively.
The 23-year-old’s triumphant smile radiated as Berrettini’s forehand sailed beyond the baseline on the decisive match point. This victory held profound significance for Auger-Aliassime, who has been grappling with a disappointing 2023 campaign thus far. Reflecting on his approach to the match, he shared, my mindset today was no matter what happens, I wanted to have the best attitude possible, the best effort from the first point to the last. Auger-Aliassime’s determination to channel the frustration from the initial set into a catalyst for a resolute rebound showcased his mental fortitude.
Acknowledging the challenges of the current season, Auger-Aliassime expressed his perspective on growth and acceptance, stating, it has been a challenging season. I’ve been very lucky and every year I have grown in the game and improved my ranking but this year it’s a new challenge and I need to accept it as well.
Seeded 12th in the tournament, Auger-Aliassime is now geared up to carry his newfound momentum into an upcoming face-off against French competitor Adrian Mannarino. The second-round encounter promises to be an exciting clash of tennis prowess and determination.
In a separate riveting match, Australia’s Jordan Thompson managed to outlast American John Isner in a duel of tiebreaks. Thompson secured a hard-fought victory with a final score of 7-6(5), 7-6(2). The match saw an impressive display of service dominance, with neither player conceding a break.
The day also witnessed Finland’s Emil Ruusuvuori and Chile’s Nicolas Jarry advancing to the next round in the morning session. Unfortunately, evening rain disrupted the flow of play, leading to the postponement of several other first-round matches at this crucial US Open tune-up event. As the competition unfolds, fans eagerly anticipate more remarkable displays of skill, determination, and sportsmanship on the Cincinnati courts.
