(Basel, Switzerland) Félix Auger-Aliassime made his debut in singles at the Basel indoor tournament on Wednesday, after defeating local favorite Leandro Riedi 6-3, 6-2.
Auger-Aliassime, the sixth seed in the tournament, also set the table for a duel in the second round against the Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp. The two tennis players shared the honors of their two previous career clashes.
The Quebecer, 19th player in the world, scored no fewer than six aces against Riedi, 162nd in the world. He was also more effective than the Swiss in serving, and more opportunistic than him in break situations.
Auger-Aliassime also converted four of his six chances against Riedi, and he only gave up his serve once in two opportunities.
The Canadian, who will headline the country’s Davis Cup finals later this month in Malaga, Spain, also hit 15 winners and committed just six unforced errors – compared to 11 for his opponent.
Auger-Aliassime is the reigning champion of the Basel indoor tournament.
The tournament, however, started off badly for him the day before. Auger-Aliassime and his American playing partner Sebastian Korda lost 6-2, 6-4 to favorites Ivan Dodig and Austin Krajicek in the first round of men’s doubles on Tuesday.
