Félix Auger-Aliassime didn’t find any major flaws in Brazilian Thiago Monteiro’s play, but he got away with a straight-set 7-6(5), 7-6(8) win on Saturday , in the second round of the Miami tennis tournament.
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No break of service was obtained on either side in this match, so the tiebreaker was necessary in both sets. The Quebecer pulled out of the game by managing to steal a few points from the 28-year-old player.
“These were not obvious conditions with the wind. I think it was difficult for both of us, but I was the player who found the solution in the end. It could have easily gone to three sets. I think despite everything that I had the upper hand in both sets, ”admitted Auger-Aliassime in a post-match interview on the court.
The Brazilian fought very well despite the obvious difference between the two players’ rankings. Monteiro, 81st, has never made the ATP top 50. He saved five break points, but could never afford one at the expense of Auger-Aliassime.
“I was serving a little better and giving myself more chances in return. If I continued to move forward, to give myself chances, I would have the opportunity to win,” added the young man, who said he was proud of his effort.
The fifth seed in the Florida event was playing its first game this week, by virtue of its initial round bye. He showed some signs of rust on serve with seven double faults and a success rate of just 54% on the first serve. He recovered well with 12 aces.
This is the first time that the two men have crossed swords in a tournament other than a Grand Slam. Auger-Aliassime had emerged victorious from their two duels, in 2021 at Wimbledon and the previous year at the United States Open.
In the third round, “FAA” will face Argentinian Francisco Cerundolo, seeded 25th.