In a draw of heavyweights, young Felix Auger-Aliassime and teenager Carlos Alcaraz reached the US Open 2021 quarterfinals. Afterward, they battled one another to make it into their maiden Grand Slam semifinal. Considering what’s at stake, the duo brought their best tennis in Arthur Ashe Stadium. Naturally, it went down in history as one of the most important nights of their young careers.
However, Alcaraz, who had given his all to reach the quarterfinals, could not bring his A-game against the 21-year-old Canadian. Unfortunately, he could not even finish the game and retired in between the match.
Oh no.
Carlitos Alcaraz has to retire down 3-6, 1-3 due to some adductor injury.
Felix Auger-Aliassime into his first career Grand Slam semifinal at 21yo. Will face Medvedev pic.twitter.com/vlor8i1Id8
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) September 8, 2021
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Despite the tragic end, Alcaraz played an exceptional tournament and won many fans. After this, he will be looking forward to steadily build his career in the coming years ahead.
To reach the quarterfinals, Auger-Aliassime registered two big wins over Roberto Bautista Agut and Frances Tiafoe. Similarly, Alcaraz upset the third seed, Stefanos Tsitsipas, on his way to the last eight.
Watch this story: Breathtaking Tennis From 18-Year-Old Sensation at Us Open 2021
Carlos Alcaraz retires against Felix Auger-Aliassime in US Open 2021 QFs
From the start of the match, the 18-year-old Spaniard did not look his real self. Until now, Carlos Alcaraz had dominated his opponents with his hard-hitting strokes, but he could not find them against Felix Auger-Aliassime.
Although he kept on the toes of the Canadian, Alcaraz was just not himself. Consequently, he found himself behind in the opening set early on.
Soon after, the Spaniard got an opportunity to break back, but missed it. Hence, Felix booked the opening set to his name with 6-3 on the board.
Fire it up, Felix! 😤
The 🇨🇦 takes the first set over Alcaraz. #USOpen pic.twitter.com/n4G40fhZyD
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 8, 2021
Following that, Alcaraz lost the complete composition of his flawless game motion. First, he called the trainer and explained his situation. But since it did not make him feel any better, the Spaniard decided to end his dream run with a retirement.
A tough scene in Ashe as Carlos Alcaraz retires with an injury.
Get well soon, @alcarazcarlos03 pic.twitter.com/0OaMv6M0Bu
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 8, 2021
Correspondingly, the 21-year-old Canadian has reached his maiden Grand Slam semifinal in New York. Also, the rest from this match might help him go all-in during his semifinals match.
Felix Auger-Aliassime 🤝 Juan Martin del Potro
making moves at a young age at the #USOpen pic.twitter.com/bnUQ5WtpUQ— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 8, 2021
Who will Auger-Aliassime meet next in the US Open 2021?
Auger-Aliassime will meet second seed Daniil Medvedev in the semifinal. On the other side, top seed Novak Djokovic, sixth seed Matteo Berrettini, fourth seed Alexander Zverev, and the surprising Lloyd Harris will battle for the two semifinals spots.
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Indeed, it is another tournament showing what’s next to come in tennis ahead. Given Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal‘s absence, the US Open 2021 has found an exceptional depth in competition.
All in all, it would be interesting to see if the Canadian can go on to make it into the final. Even if not, Auger-Aliassime has given all he could on the tennis courts.
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Do you think one of them could reach this year’s US Open final?
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