Felix Auger-Aliassime loses quarterfinal match at Chengdu Open, ending surprising run

Jim Cerny

Felix Auger-Aliassime loses quarterfinal match at Chengdu Open, ending surprising run image

The run is over.

Canadian teenager Felix Auger-Aliassime was swept out of the Chengdu Open Friday, losing his quarterfinal match to Germany's Bernard Tomic in straight sets 6-2, 6-4.

It was the deepest Auger-Aliassime has played in an ATP Tour event in his young career, and was highlighted by his three-set upset victory over World No. 23 Hyeon Chung on Wednesday.

 

 

Like at the U.S. Open, Auger-Aliassime worked his way into the Chengdu Open as a qualifier, though this time as a Lucky Loser. However, unlike the U.S. Open -- where he had to retire in his opening-round match against friend and countryman Denis Shapovalov -- the 18 year-old won a pair of matches before falling to Tomic, who is ranked 123rd in the world.

Tomic needed just 67 minutes to eliminate Auger-Aliassime on Friday. The German won three of six break points, while the Canadian was unable to convert either of his break opportunities. Auger-Aliassime also double-faulted eight times and won only one of 26 possible first serve return points.

Auger-Aliassime entered the Chengdu Open ranked No. 147 in the world and is expected to jump twenty spots or so with his performance in China this week. His career-high ranking is 116 a month ago.

Jim Cerny