On Sunday, Félix Auger-Aliassime bumped into Carlos Alcaraz within the third spherical of the celebrated BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells. In (actually) nice type, the World No.2 took management of the match and sealed the deal 6-2, 6-3.
It was a chance for the gamers to seek out their bearings in what’s confirmed to be a difficult season for each. Previous to right now, Félix was 6-6 in 2024 and 3-1 versus Alcaraz, who was 6-3 since January.
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Auger-Aliassime got here out of the gate robust with a maintain within the first recreation. Issues have been tight till the fifth recreation, when Alcaraz received up a break 3-2 and by no means appeared again. The Canadian was discomfited as Alcaraz dominated on serve and return (77% first serves in play, 50% factors received on return and 100% video games received on serve) and voided a break level to win the final 4 video games.
On serve to begin off the second set, Félix shortly gave away two break factors but nonetheless managed to hold on and safe the subsequent service factors. However on serve at 5-3, he handed Alcaraz two match factors. The defending champion, who’s at present on the hunt for his first title since Wimbledon, racked up winners and photographs on the paint to wrap issues up at 6-3 in a near-perfect outing.
Although he struggled to counter Alcaraz’s assaults, Félix Auger-Aliassime performed some stable tennis that he and his staff can construct on as they look forward to the remainder of the season.
Félix was the final Canadian standing within the singles attracts, so all eyes are actually on Gabriela Dabrowski,
Within the day’s different matches, Stefanos Tsitsipas overpowered Frances Tiafoe (6-3, 6-3), and prime seed Iga Swiatek dismantled Linda Noskova in simply 72 minutes (6-4, 6-0).
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