Rogers Cup 2018: Shapovalov, Auger-Aliassime fall to Anderson and Djokovic in first round

Alec Gearty

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Rogers Cup 2018: Shapovalov, Auger-Aliassime fall to Anderson and Djokovic in first round image

Facing a Grand Slam finalist is never an easy task nonetheless facing two former finalists at the same time. In Denis Shapovalov and Felix Auger-Aliassime's situation, they realized how difficult it can be to advance in any draw when facing Kevin Anderson and Novak Djokovic. 

There was a shared feeling of excitement between Shapovalov and Auger-Aliassime heading into the doubles matchup. The Canadian duo, however, fell in straight sets to Anderson and Djokovic, 6-3 6-2, in the first round of the 2018 Rogers Cup in Toronto. The loss eliminates Shapovalov and Auger-Aliassime from the doubles draw. 

Rain delayed the start of the match as both sides were forced to wait out the inclement weather. When the courts dried, the Wimbledon finalists from a month ago were well adjusted to the home-court favorites.  

The Canadians jumped to a 2-0 lead in the first set, but Djokovic and Anderson responded by seizing the next three games. Shapovalov and Auger-Aliassime weren't able to break serve on three of four opportunities in the opening set. The tour veterans used that to their advantage over their young opposition. 

While tied 3-3 in the set, Djokovic and Anderson rallied off three games to take the one-set advantage. 

The duo known as "Shauger" started off the second set similarly to the first. They quickly stole the first game, but struggled to maintain their serve. The duo failed to hold serve two times during the set as Djokovic and Anderson continued to build their lead. From what was originally a rapid, one-game lead turned into 5-1 deficit. 

Djokovic and Anderson closed out the 31-minute set two games later. Now, Shapovalov and Auger-Aliassime turns their attention to their respective singles campaigns, with the former facing France's Jeremy Chardy on Tuesday.

Auger-Aliassime prefaces Shapovalov's night session with a first round matchup against Lucas Pouille. 

Alec Gearty