Félix Auger-Aliassime defeated Italian Luca Nardi 6-2, 6-3 in the first round of the Monte-Carlo Tennis Masters on Monday, setting the table for a duel against world number 3 Carlos Alcaraz.
Auger-Aliassime, 35e world player, took one hour and 22 minutes to overcome the 20-year-old athlete on the clay of the Rainier III court. It was the first duel between the two players in their careers on the ATP circuit.
The 23-year-old Quebecer was not particularly effective with his first serve ball – he posted a success rate of only 55%, compared to 63% for Nardi – although he managed six aces during the match. .
Nardi, 76e world player, however, committed twice as many double faults as Auger-Aliassime, with four. He was also unable to obtain the slightest break point against the Quebec player. For his part, Auger-Aliassime stole his rival’s service three times in seven opportunities.
Auger-Aliassime also hit an impressive 22 winners during his match, and he committed just nine unforced errors en route to the second round.
The Quebecer ended the match with the first of his two match points, and he will now face Alcaraz in the second round of the Monaco tournament.
Surprisingly, Auger-Aliassime is 3-2 in his career against the Spaniard. Alcaraz, however, has won their last two clashes, including in the third round of the Masters in Indian Wells, California, last month.