Montreal’s Felix Auger-Aliassime returned to the courts with a victorious performance, defeating Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3, 7-5 in the Cincinnati Open’s second-round match on Sunday. Despite facing challenges with the wind in the second set, Auger-Aliassime managed to secure the win after a brief setback when serving for the match at 5-4. The 26-year-old eventually sealed the victory with his seventh ace on match point.
Reflecting on the match, Auger-Aliassime mentioned the difficulties posed by the windy conditions, particularly affecting his serve. He acknowledged the tricky ending but expressed satisfaction with his comeback after a 40-day break from competitive play since Wimbledon, citing recent health challenges. The Canadian player, who had withdrawn from the National Bank Open due to a back injury, will now prepare to face Juan Cerundolo of Argentina in the upcoming round.
In a separate women’s event, Chinese qualifier Xiyu Wang overcame 30th-seeded Leylah Fernandez of Laval, Que., with a 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 victory. Wang, aged 25 and previously ranked No. 49 globally, displayed a strong performance after a slow start against Fernandez. The match lasted two hours and two minutes, with Wang recording 23 winners, 35 unforced errors, two aces, and two double faults, while Fernandez managed 11 winners, 26 unforced errors, seven double faults, and one ace. Fernandez, who reached the round of 16 at the National Bank Open in Toronto, struggled in return games, winning only three out of 12, compared to Wang’s five out of 12.
The tournament results showcased Auger-Aliassime’s successful comeback and Wang’s impressive victory over Fernandez in a thrilling match-up at the Cincinnati Open.
