Felix Auger-Aliassime misplaced the opening United Cup match to Borna Coric regardless of bageling his rival within the opener. The Canadian bounced again within the second tie and defeated world no. 4 Taylor Fritz 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 in two hours and 19 minutes,
Taylor squandered an enormous benefit. The higher-ranked opponent led 6-4, 4-2, 30-15 and served for the win at 5-4. Nevertheless, Auger-Aliassime bounced again and supplied two breaks to power a decider.
Felix served effectively within the closing set and earned a break in the midst of the set to emerge on the high. The Canadian fired 19 aces and performed higher behind the primary and second serve. He saved two of 4 break factors and delivered three return video games to seal the deal.
FAA says no 🙅♂️@felixtennis comes from the clouds to defeat Fritz 4-6 7-5 6-3 and hold Group Canada alive.#UnitedCup pic.twitter.com/52urhbfLYp
— United Cup (@UnitedCupTennis) December 29, 2024
The US Open finalist grabbed a break within the first recreation of the duel following the rival’s forehand error. Taylor fired an ace within the second recreation to cement the lead and compelled Felix’s mistake two video games later for 3-1. The Canadian held after a deuce within the fifth recreation.
He took a medical timeout on the decrease again forward of the sixth recreation however continued with out points. Fritz closed it after two deuces and landed an ace two video games later for a 5-3 benefit. Felix prolonged the battle with a maintain at love in recreation 9.
The American served for the opener at 5-4 and landed an ace, finishing the primary a part of the duel in 46 minutes. Taylor served effectively within the opening two service video games of the second set. World no. 4 landed a backhand down the road winner within the fifth recreation, incomes a break and shifting in entrance.
Taylor held with a service winner in recreation six for 42 and led 30-15 on the return within the subsequent one in underneath 80 minutes. The Canadian saved his composure and landed an ace to deliver the sport residence and stay inside one break deficit.
The higher-ranked participant closed the eighth recreation with a forehand winner and served for the win at 5-4. Felix painted a backhand down the road winner for a break probability. He seized it after Taylor’s huge forehand mistake, leveling the rating at 5-5 and lengthening the drama.
Fritz might have launched a tie break after a 40-15 lead within the twelfth recreation. Auger-Aliassime prolonged the sport and transformed the second set level with a pressured error, securing two straight breaks and forcing a decider after an hour and 43 minutes.
Felix gained a lift and supplied 5 comfy holds within the closing set. They served effectively within the opening 5 video games earlier than the Canadian took cost on the return at 3-2. Taylor misplaced floor and sprayed a forehand error, falling behind and exhibiting indicators of frustration.
Auger-Aliassime fired a strong serve within the seventh recreation for 5-2. The American got here from 0-30 within the eighth recreation and held after a deuce to increase the battle. Nevertheless, the Canadian drew the opponent’s error within the ninth recreation, sealing the deal and celebrating a notable victory.
