For his quarter-final match, Félix Auger-Aliassime will have a big client in front of him: Casper Ruud.
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With the elimination of the first three tournament favorites, the Norwegian is now the highest ranked player still in contention. Ruud, seventh player in the world, will do everything to break the party on the central Friday.
Auger-Aliassime and Ruud have faced each other twice since the start of their career. Every player has gotten a win so far. The Quebecer won in 2019 in Miami while his next opponent had the last word last year in Spain.
A very interesting clash between two players of the new generation. It could be a very tight duel.
“I saw Casper play (against Roberto Bautista Agut), analyzed the pride of the Ahuntsic borough. It was a very high level game.
“He is a player who made a final during a hard Masters. He is very good on clay, but he is becoming a very complete player. It will be a difficult opponent to face.
“Tomorrow (today) will be a very good test to see where I am.”
A relief
After a tougher opener, Auger-Aliassime looked more relaxed in their clash against Norrie. We felt him in full possession of his means on the ground.
“Having passed the first game, it took a big weight off my shoulders,” said Auger-Aliassime. After three years of absence, to get me out in the first game, it would have been disappointing. The fact of having won this first duel freed me.
“Now I can concentrate on the rest of the tournament. As I do the rest of the year.
Auger-Aliassime got off to a strong start with four cannonballs on serve, including two aces.
“From the first strokes of the racket, I felt more liberated. I felt good. He (Norrie) was also in a good light.
“Until the middle of the set, I was not confident about winning the match in two sets as it went.”