LONDON: For two players who are in the early stages of their careers, a rivalry has already formed between them.
Stefanos Tsitsias was fully aware of the danger he faced against Canadian 18-year-old Felix Auger-Aliassime on Friday at The Fever-Tree Championships. The youngest player to contest a quarter-final match at Queen’s since Marin Cilic back in 2007. As a junior, he lost all three of their meetings at prestigious events that include the US Open and the Eddie Herr International. Furthermore, Auger-Aliassime downed his Greek rival in straight sets earlier this year at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells.
It is for this reason why Auger-Aliassime’s latest win over Tsitsipas is not as much of a shock as it appears. He may be ranked 15 places below Tsitsipas and yet to win an ATP title, but the rising star had all the answers during his 7-5, 6-2, win at Queen’s.
“I have zero expectations coming here,” Auger-Aliassime said following his latest victory. “Obviously I had a great week last week, but it is so much different coming here (to Queen’s).”
“I had three matches against amazing players that I could have lost, but I handled my nerves and kept my serve all the time. So it’s all good.”
There was little disparity between the two during the first half of the match with both players having their chances. Three games in, Tsitsipas saw two consecutive break points in his favor come and go. Heading into the business stage, leading 6-5, Auger-Aliassime pounced at the most critical time. Taking advantage of some tentative shot-making from across the court and hitting the ball deep, he broke for the first time to clinch the set.
Swiftly gaining momentum on the court, the world No.21 continued to frustrate and dismantle his opponents serve. Breaking once again at the start of the second set on route to a commanding 3-0 lead.
To add further to Tsitsipas’ woes, he required a medical time out for physio on his right shoulder. An indication that he was suffering from the aftermath of his marathon three-set clash with Jeremy Chardy on the day before.
The break had little impact on the outcome of the match. Continuing the dodge the bullets fired by Tsitsipas, the underdog rallied towards the finish line. Becoming the youngest player to reach the semi-finals of the tournament since Lleyton Hewitt back in 1999.
“I felt good from the start, I think he was playing well as well. I think he was serving good. It was key for me to save those break points early in the first set. Then be able to hold my serve throughout the set.” He evaluated his performance.
“I started an amazing way in the second. Aggressive, moving him around. I’m happy with the way I handled myself today to get through.”
Now boasting a career 5-0 head-to-head lead over Tsitsipas, Auger-Aliassime paid tribute to his opponent.
“I think he will be a great champion, he already is. He’s number six in the world, so if I can be at the top as well and fight for these titles against him. That will be great for both of us.” He said.
There will be little time to rest for Auger-Aliassime, who will play in the doubles later in the day. Partnered with Alex de Minaur, if they win that match they will take on Andy Murray and Feliciano Lopez in the evening.
Medvedev wins
Earlier in the day, Daniil Medvedev eased his way into the semi-finals with a comprehensive 77-minute win over Deigo Schwartzman. A player who has only won one match on the grass on the ATP Tour prior to this week. Medvedev dictated from the onset against the Argentine as he broke four times, twice in each set, on route to the 6-2, 6-2, victory.
“It was a great match, but it wasn’t as easy as the score suggests. There were some tight games.” Medvedev told BBC Sport.
“I’m happy with my level and happy to be in the semi-finals.”
The 23-year-old is the first Russian player in history to reach the last four of Queen’s. Against Schwartzman, Medvedev hit 24 winners to 18 unforced errors.
