Felix Auger Aliassime is into the quarterfinals of the Abierto De Tenis Milfel in Los Cabos after beating the Mexican wild card Alex Hernandez in straight sets 6-3, 7-5.
The number two seed and Montreal native served 15 aces and won 83% of his first serve points in a match that lasted just shy of the two-hour mark on Stadium CSC at the Cabo Sports Complex.
“It’s not easy to play a local Mexican and he was playing really well and I feel like he was giving everything he had to try and make it a tough match,” said Auger-Aliassime. “Credit to him for playing a good match and it was a bit tense”.
At the beginning of the match it was the number two seed asserting his dominance. After holding the opening service game he managed to get the early break for a 2-0 lead.That one break of serve was enough for the world number nine and 2022 Rotterdam champion to serve out the first set and take a 1-0 set lead.
However, the second set was a different story and a much more competitive affair. The Canadian had three chances to break in the first game but Hernandez saved all three and managed to hold serve, pumping up the crowd in the process who were behind him.
He rewarded them the next game by getting the first break of the second set to give himself an early lead but at 3-1 gave the break right back after Auger-Aliassime earned a breakpoint and crushed the ball with a massive forehand.
More than 500 ranking spots separated the two players but Hernandez responded right away by breaking the Canadian right back the following game after a poor service game.
He was able to consolidate the break and at 5-3 served for the set but the 21-year-old battled back and got the break back once again in a set that was going back on forth.
At 5-5, the Montreal native earned the crucial break of serve and served out the match and in his post-match interview, he was asked if Hernandez’s play surprised him.
“We had a chance to practice before the tournament and I already saw he was playing well. I was not expecting an easy match and today he showed some good level”. He said.
Auger Aliassime will now face the American Steve Johnson in the quarterfinals after he was able to beat the Aussie Thanasi Kokkinakis in three tight sets 6-7, 6-4, 6-4 in two hours and 47 minutes.
