Félix Auger-Aliassime has advanced to the quarterfinals of the Monte-Carlo Masters following an unexpected retirement from Norwegian player Casper Ruud. The match was halted during the second set, with Auger-Aliassime leading 7-5, 2-2.
Match Details
Ranked sixth, Auger-Aliassime now boasts a career record of 5-3 against the ninth-seeded Ruud. This victory marks his fourth consecutive win over Ruud, including their quarterfinal meeting during the Paris 2024 Olympic tournament.
Player Thoughts
In a post-match interview, Auger-Aliassime reflected on the opening of the match. He stated, “Ruud started strong, but I focused on my game to stay calm. I believed I could come back.” He added, “It was surprising when he got injured, and I hope he recovers soon.”
Quarterfinal Matchup
Auger-Aliassime is set to face Italian player Jannik Sinner, currently ranked second. Sinner triumphed over Czech Tomas Machac in a challenging match, winning 6-1, 6-7 (3), and 6-3.
Match Statistics
| Statistic | Auger-Aliassime | Ruud |
|---|---|---|
| Match Duration | 1 hour 27 minutes | – |
| Aces | 4 | – |
| Winners | 23 | – |
| Break Points Won | 2 of 6 | – |
| Double Faults | 1 | – |
| Unforced Errors | 20 | – |
After a rocky start, with an immediate deficit of 0-3 against Ruud, Auger-Aliassime managed to gain momentum. He broke Ruud’s serve in the fifth game and ultimately took the first set. Ruud later sought medical attention due to a leg injury, leading him to retire from the match.
Monte-Carlo Masters Overview
With Auger-Aliassime as the last Canadian player remaining in the tournament, earlier exits occurred for Gabriel Diallo and Denis Shapovalov in the first round. In other matches, Alexander Zverev and João Fonseca also secured victories, while world number one Carlos Alcaraz fought hard to defeat Argentina’s Tomas Martin Etcheverry.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on the upcoming match between Auger-Aliassime and Sinner in the Monte-Carlo quarterfinals.
