Felix Auger-Aliassime, recovering from a recent back injury that sidelined him at the National Bank Open in Montreal, showcased strong form at the Cincinnati Open. The 26-year-old Canadian tennis sensation progressed to the Round of 16 by defeating Juan Manuel Cerundolo from Argentina with a solid 7-5, 6-1 victory on Tuesday evening.
In a swift one hour and 27 minutes, Auger-Aliassime secured his spot in the next round against Frances Tiafoe, who emerged victorious in a tough two-hour and 10-minute battle against Learner Tien in an all-American duel.
Earlier in the tournament, Auger-Aliassime triumphed over Stefanos Tsitsipas in a commanding 6-3, 7-5 victory. In his match against Cerundolo, he showcased his skills with six aces, five double faults, 22 unforced errors, and 19 winners. Auger-Aliassime managed to break his opponent’s serve three times out of nine attempts and held all his service games.
Having withdrawn from the NBO in Montreal due to a back injury sustained during training, Auger-Aliassime has made a strong comeback at the Cincinnati Open. The tournament also saw notable absences, with top players like Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, and Novak Djokovic opting out to prioritize their health and recovery.
