Canada’s own Felix Auger-Aliassime stormed into the quarterfinals of the Shanghai Masters with a commanding 6-4, 6-2 victory over Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti on Wednesday.
After an hour and 25 minutes on the hard court, the Montreal-born talent closed out the match with a dazzling display of consecutive aces.
This win brought their career head-to-head record to a balanced four victories apiece and halted Musetti’s recent momentum, which included triumphs at the 2024 Paris Olympics and this year’s Miami Masters.
Auger-Aliassime remarked, “Tonight was an example of ‘inspired Felix.’ I felt quick on my feet, yet the game appeared to move in slow motion. It’s peculiar when these magical nights occur.”
“I’ve been chasing this level for a while, refining my game plan, but executing it live against an opponent of this caliber is a different ball game than in practice. I’m thrilled because performing this well signals that my progress is right on track.”
This win also tightened the race in the PIF ATP Live standings, the ongoing leaderboard that decides which eight players will qualify for November’s prestigious Nitto ATP Finals in Italy. Musetti started the week in eighth place, while Auger-Aliassime was in tenth, narrowing the gap to just 530 points as both vie for a coveted spot.
The 25-year-old Auger-Aliassime is set to face France’s Arthur Rinderknech in the quarterfinals. Rinderknech secured his place with a 6-3, 7-6 (5) win over 15th-seeded Jiri Lehecka from the Czech Republic. Auger-Aliassime has previously defeated Rinderknech in both of their earlier encounters this season in Cincinnati and Mallorca.
Auger-Aliassime showcased his power with six aces to Musetti’s three, committed just one double fault, and won 76% of his first-serve points compared to Musetti’s 59%. He capitalized on three out of six break points and held his serve throughout the match.
He remains the last Canadian in the tournament after Montreal’s Gabriel Diallo was edged out 6-3, 5-7, 6-7 (8) by Belgium’s Zizou Bergs in the Round of 16 on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, seventh-seeded Alex De Minaur from Australia advanced with a solid 7-5, 6-2 victory over Portugal’s Nuno Borges. He will go on to face 16th-seeded Daniil Medvedev, who triumphed over Learner Tien with a score of 7-6 (6), 6-7 (1), 6-4.
