(Miami) Quebecer Félix Auger-Aliassime started the Miami Open with a 7-6 (5) and 7-6 (8) win over Thiago Monteiro on Saturday.
Fifth seed, the Canadian had a good opposition from the Brazilian, 81e at the ATP.
Auger-Aliassime had the advantage 32-19 for game winners and 12-4 for aces in a match without a break.
Auger-Aliassime scored the first two points of the second stalemate – his rival saw a ball hit the net and fall off target, then he hit way too deep.
The Quebecer took the lead 4-2 with his second ace in this deadlock break, then 5-2 with an uncrossed shot.
Later, the sixth ATP player double-faulted followed by an unprovoked error, which made the score 6-6.
Monteiro netted a successful bunt, but Auger-Aliassime responded with a point on a powerful serve. The same gun gave him an 8-7 cushion, before a ball hit the frame of his racquet.
The Brazilian had the same mishap before missing a drop shot to concede victory to the Quebecer, on his fourth match point.
In the third round, Auger-Aliassime will face Francisco Cerundolo, 31e in the world.
In women’s doubles, Laval’s Leylah Fernandez and American Taylor Townsend beat Timea Babos and Kristina Mladenovic, 6-4 and 7-6 (3).
In the evening, Gabriela Dabrowski of Ottawa and Luisa Stefani of Brazil will face Bernarda Pera and Magda Linette.
Second seed Stefanos Tsitsipas won by forfeit ahead of Richard Gasquet.
Daniil Medvedev, seeded fourth, will play in the evening against Roberto Carballes Baena of Spain.