The Canadian is into the third round after a battle with the Frenchman.
Felix Auger Aliassime won his first match at the Miami Open beating the Frenchman Pierre Hughes Herbert 6-4, 6-4 hitting 24 winners while his opponent hit 22 unforced errors in the match.
“I feel good coming in, the first thing is physically once I feel good I feel fresh in my mind as well, usually I am able to play at least my level of tennis and that’s how I felt coming into this week, I also have good feelings, good vibes from this tournament so that always helps, of course, I thought it was a tricky first match because I have lost to him before once saving a match point so I guess being ready for his best, being ready for the worst-case scenario got me prepared mentally and I stayed focused throughout the match and it was a good thing”.
There was a bit of controversy during the match as Herbert got into it with the chair umpire several times due to the fact he felt that he had pushed the time clock too early and wasn’t given enough time to prepare to serve.
The Montreal native also chimed in on the situation and gave his thoughts on the whole situation.
“He was frustrated because having time he complained, I also thought that was pretty short break especially at a ball change but it’s the rules of course we both have to respect, I got a time violation in doubles yesterday, it’s something that happens, nobody is perfect maybe pressed too early but it is what it is but I do think it’s tough to be at the net, go get your towel and than get ready for your serve within 25 second”
After holding the opening service game of the match the Frenchman earned an early breakpoint but the Canadian was able to save it and hold serve. The very next game the world number 18 earned his first breakpoint of the match with a great passing shot and would break as the world number 74 served an untimely double fault to gift the early break.
After the Monte Carlo resident consolidated the break he was faced with pressure once again and the same scenario sort of repeated itself this time with the Canadian serving a double fault on breakpoint to go back on serve at 3-3.
At 4-4 the world number 18 was determined to finish the set on a positive note and with a forehand winner up the line got another breakpoint and broke once again to serve out the first set.
The Canadian was now in control of the match and had three early break chances in the first game of the second set and at the third time of asking would get the early break to take the 1-0 lead.
At 2-1 the Frenchman was not giving up and applied more pressure on the Montreal native serve and also earned three more chances to break to go back on serve and he did just that with a beautiful return winner.
Once again at 4-4 the world number 18 would have two more breakpoints and would earn the crucial break with a sizzling forehand return winner and would serve out the match.
After the match in his post game press conference he explained to Ubitennis if he felt he needed a tough match like that to get himself going.
“Well it’s always good when you win it, sometimes draws are not always easy, some are easier than others but then again at this level every match you have to earn and again today was a tough opponent that I know has good weapons in his game, had to be ready for his best tennis and after a win like this it gets me well into the tournament with a match that had high intensity, high focus, it’s a good way to start for sure”.
Felix Auger Aliassime will now face John Isner after he won the all-American clash against Mackenzie McDonald 2-6 6-3 7-5.
