(Auckland) German Daniel Altmaier defeated Quebecer Félix Auger-Aliassime 7-6 (9), 7-5 in the round of 16 of the Auckland tournament on Wednesday.
Altmaier, 57th in the world, had five aces, while Auger-Aliassime, 27th, had nine.
The German converted two of his six break points in the match. The Quebecer hit 26 winning shots, six more than his opponent.
After a good first service game, Auger-Aliassime broke Altmaier from the start and quickly made it 3-0 in the next game.
The German recovered in the best possible way, winning the next three games to stick to 3-3.
Auger-Aliassime managed to erase two break points at 5-5. He first forced Altmaier to the net only to make him miss his shot and conclude a long rally. The Quebecer then used spin on his second serve, to the body, which Altmaier failed to return.
Altmaier forced a tiebreaker with a stunning side backhand while on the move to the ball.
Auger-Aliassime missed what appeared to be a routine shot at the net on the first point of the tiebreaker. The latter, however, was not shaken and led 4-2 at the change of sides.
The Quebecer obtained two set points at 6-4, as well as two others at 7-6 and 9-8. He was unable to end the tiebreaker and Almaier, on his second opportunity, took the first set 7-6 (9).
Altmaier got the first break point of the second set, at 4-4.
At 15-40, Auger-Aliassime gave himself two chances to break and lead 6-5, but his opponent made an ace and followed with a crosscourt backhand near the line.
Altmaier took advantage of his first match point to finish things off with a crosscourt forehand, while Auger-Aliassime went to the net.
