Felix Auger-Aliassime advanced to the third round of the 2019 BNP Paribas Open after defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4, 6-2, on Saturday in Indian Wells, Calif.
It was a match-up featuring two of the young guns of men's tennis, with 20-year-old world No. 10 Tsitsipas falling in less than 80 minutes to 18-year-old Montreal native Auger-Aliassime. Saturday's match was the latest in a series of impressive performances by the Canadian teenager in recent months, contributing to his rise in the world rankings from No. 108 at the start of the year to his current position in 58th spot, a career high.
SIGN UP with DAZN to watch WTA matches at the Indian Wells Open LIVE and ON DEMAND
The first set was defined by break points, with Auger-Aliassime converting an early one before saving six as he claimed the early advantage against his Greek opponent. That's all the young Canadian needed to take the opening set, with a pair of double faults not hampering his ability to grab the lead.
6️⃣ break points faced.
— Tennis Canada (@TennisCanada) March 9, 2019
6️⃣ break points saved.
Félix Auger-Aliassime surges ahead to a 6-4 lead over junior rival Stefanos Tsitsipas in their first professional matchup. #BNPPO19#FélixRising pic.twitter.com/cxaXynwsnT
In the second set, it was Auger-Aliassime again finding success in breaking Tsitsipas' serve. Auger-Aliassime converted two break points (of two) while holding serve throughout the deciding frame, with a pair of aces thrown in for good measure.
It was as dominant a performance the young Canadian could have hoped for given the stature of his opposition, continuing his rise up the tennis ladder.
First Top 10 win for @felixtennis!
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) March 9, 2019
The 18-year-old Canadian races into round three, beating Tsitsipas 6-4 6-2#BNPPO19 pic.twitter.com/GKyQOUPiKZ
Auger-Aliassime will face either Yoshihito Nishioka or Roberto Bautista Agut in the Round of 32.