Felix Auger-Aliassime Ends Andy Murray’s Dream Grand Slam Comeback at US Open 2020

Andy Murray’s comeback trail was cut short in the second round of the US Open 2020 with a 6-2, 6-3, 6-4 loss to 20-year-old Felix Auger-Aliassime. 2012 champion Andy Murray was outclassed on the night by the swashbuckling youngster.

In the first round, Andy Murray came back from two sets down to win 4-6, 4-6, 7-6(5), 7-6(4), 6-4 against Yoshihito Nishioka. The effects of a 4 hour-39 minute battle were visible on Murray throughout his second-round contest.

The Canadian, who is expected to be a future star, started the match firing on all cylinders. He broke Murray very early on and raced to a 3-0 lead. Murray then tried to avoid a further deficit, but Auger-Aliassime was just too strong behind his serve in a set that saw him fire in eight aces.

Felix Auger-Aliassime takes control in the first set

It was clear that Auger-Aliassime was dictating the flow of the match. He had as many as 18 winners in the first set, to just one from Murray. He had more unforced errors than Murray, but that just showed he was taking the attack to Murray. Auger-Aliassime then broke for the second time to wrap up the first set 6-2.

2nd set: Andy Murray pushed further behind

The second set was more of the same as Murray was not able to move as freely, but he ensured that he did not hand his opponent the early break of serve this time. Murray seemed to have a look at 3-3 in the set. But a couple of uncanny errors from Murray and a bit of luck for Auger-Aliassime helped the Canadian keep the lead.

Murray looked more pro-active as the set progressed, but the Canadian was up to the task. He pressed the accelerator and took advantage of the scoreboard pressure on Murray. A couple of poor errors gave Auger-Aliassime the break of serve for 5-3. He then sealed the set in the next game with his 14th ace.

Murray now needed a second straight comeback from two sets down and the 11th of his career.

Felix seals it after 3rd set

However, Auger-Aliassime was determined to seal the deal without any hiccups. He started the set with three more aces in the opening game. At 2-2 in the set, Murray saved three break-points, but could not hide a slew of errors. The 20-year-old Auger-Aliassime broke on his fourth opportunity. He consolidated the break with three more aces.

Auger-Aliassime completed the formalities thereafter, sealing the set 6-4, on a night where his game looked flawless. He ended up with 24 aces on the night and 52 winners to just nine from Murray.