Auger-Aliassime Triumphs in Dubai Opening Round Match
Félix Auger-Aliassime, the top seed from Canada, showcased his skills in the opening round of the Dubai Championships. He faced China’s Zhizhen Zhang on Monday, where the match proved to be a nail-biter.
Match Overview
Auger-Aliassime triumphed with a score of 6-3, 7-6(4), after needing six match points to secure the win. He struggled initially, missing two match points while serving at 5-4 and three when serving at 6-5 in the second set.
Key Moments
- At 6-5, Auger-Aliassime had a lead of 30-0, then 40-15.
- The game went to deuce multiple times before Zhang held serve.
- In the tiebreaker, Auger-Aliassime capitalized on a 5-3 lead, sealing the match by winning two of the final three points.
Player Stats
Auger-Aliassime, currently ranked No. 8 in the world, delivered an impressive performance with:
- 11 aces and 3 double faults.
- A success rate of 78% on first-serve points.
- Converted 2 of his 11 break-point opportunities.
His opponent, Zhang, recorded 10 aces with just one double fault but couldn’t convert any of his four break-point chances, winning 71% of first-service points.
Previous Performance and Next Match
Auger-Aliassime reached the finals of the Dubai Championships last year, where he lost to Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas. In the past ten matches, he has achieved a remarkable nine victories, securing the title in Montpellier and finishing as the runner-up in Rotterdam.
In the next round, Auger-Aliassime will compete against French qualifier Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. The Canadian is optimistic about advancing further in the tournament.
