Felix Auger-Aliassime’s hopeful journey in Cincinnati took an unexpected turn on Thursday.
The talented Canadian fell to the world No. 1, Jannik Sinner, in a lopsided quarterfinal matchup, losing in straight sets (6-0, 6-2) at the Cincinnati Open.
Auger-Aliassime had shown impressive form in the ATP Masters 1000 tournament, dispatching his previous three opponents, all in straight sets. However, he found himself challenged against the dominant Sinner.
The Italian sensation took control from the beginning, breaking Auger-Aliassime’s serve in the second game and securing a flawless opening set.
While the second set proved to be more competitive, with Auger-Aliassime managing an early break and holding serve in the second game, he ultimately fell victim to six consecutive games lost, leading to his defeat.
Auger-Aliassime faced difficulties with unforced errors, racking up 28 compared to Sinner’s 12, and also struggled with eight double faults against Sinner’s two.
With this victory, Sinner moves on to the semifinals, where he will face the winner of the match between France’s Terence Atmane and Denmark’s Holger Rune, set to take place later on Thursday.
