Félix Auger-Aliassime, the world number eight, secured his place in the second round of the Dubai Championships with a straight-sets win over Zhang Zhizhen. The match took place on February 23, where Auger-Aliassime triumphed with scores of 6-3, 7-6 (4).
Match Highlights
Playing in the ATP 500 event, Auger-Aliassime showcased his powerful service game. He hit 11 aces and faced no break points, effectively managing four break chances against him.
Key Moments
- Auger-Aliassime faced four break points in the eighth game of the first set.
- Zhang had an opportunity to level the score, but Auger-Aliassime managed to hold his serve.
- After winning the eighth game, Auger-Aliassime took the first set with his second break of serve.
- In the second set, Zhang became a tougher opponent, recording eight aces with no double faults.
- Auger-Aliassime had several match points, but Zhang held strong, pushing the match to a tiebreaker.
Eventually, with a lead of 5-4 in the tiebreak, Auger-Aliassime produced two mini-breaks to clinch victory. The match lasted just under two hours.
Post-Match Reflections
After the match, Auger-Aliassime commented on the pressure of the missed match points, stating, “It’s strange how the mind can play tricks.” He remained focused, assuring himself that he would be prepared if a third set was necessary.
Next Matchup
In the next round, Auger-Aliassime will face Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, currently ranked 58th in the world. Perricard advanced by defeating Tunisia’s Moez Echargui with a scoreline of 7-6 (3), 6-7 (3), 7-6 (4).
Other Tournament Updates
Last year, Auger-Aliassime reached the finals of the Dubai Championships but lost to Stefanos Tsitsipas. In another match, Swiss veteran Stanislas Wawrinka progressed after defeating Lebanon’s Banjamin Hassan with a score of 7-5, 6-3. Additionally, Canadian Denis Shapovalov is set to play his first-round match against Spain’s Pablo Carreno-Busta on Tuesday, with potential for a quarterfinal matchup against Auger-Aliassime.
