Aliassime's resilience breaks De Miñaur's wall and returns to the US Open semifinals

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At last, Félix Auger-Aliassime resurfaces and his tennis shows up. After more than two years of ups and downs, false hopes, and deep disappointments, the Canadian seems to be returning to the place where it was once presumed he would be: among the top four players of a Grand Slam. He achieves this after defeating the always determined and courageous Alex De Miñaur, who, while displaying his solid tennis, still lacked the character to take the final step in moments of great equality (4-6, 7-6(9), 7-5, 7-6(4)). This way, Aliassime returns to the semifinals of the US Open four years later, awaiting Jannik Sinner or Lorenzo Musetti for a spot in the grand final.

How high the level must be at this US Open for the quarterfinal match with the least impact to be the one played by the world number eight, De Miñaur, and the number 27, Auger-Aliassime. You just had to look at the stands of Arthur Ashe at the beginning of the match to realize that it was not a showdown generating the same interest as Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, or Jannik Sinner.

But those sitting in the seats or watching the match on TV knew that a real battle could unfold between two players who enjoy playing from the baseline, who do not shy away from long rallies, and who are accustomed to reaching unbelievable balls due to their great athleticism.

Equality from the first to the last ball

And that's what happened from the beginning of the match, although Aliassime seemed somewhat tense and inexperienced on crucial points. Quite the opposite of the Australian, who seized his second break point and then neutralized the two he faced in the next game to seal a tight first set (6-4), where it was evident details could determine the outcome.

In fact, the second set tipped the balance as De Miñaur came close to winning it, which would have almost sealed the match. He once again resisted Aliassime's break attempts and in the fifth game managed to break, although the Canadian broke back in the following game, showcasing the equality prevailing on the court. Despite both players facing close service games, partly due to the numerous double faults they committed throughout the match, they managed to hold their serves, and the second set would be decided in the tiebreak.

A tiebreak that defined the match

The tiebreak was a real rollercoaster; both had advantages to secure the set but couldn't finish, prolonging the set until Aliassime finally clinched a crucial point at a crucial moment to take the second set 7-6(9). One set each after three hours, and everything still to play for.

The way he lost this set took its toll on the Australian, aware that a 2-0 lead in sets would have weighed on the mind of the Canadian. Indeed, Aliassime came out more determined and confident, gaining a 4-2 lead. However, De Miñaur is one of those players who never give up; the tougher it gets, the more they cling to the court. Thus came the break when the American served to close out the set. But this 5-5 equality relaxed him, and Aliassime, who didn't falter this time as he used to, took advantage to break once more and this time put himself ahead 2-1 in sets (7-5).

Handling the pressure

He was just one set away from reaching a Grand Slam semifinal, a feat not accomplished since 2021, also in New York. De Miñaur attempted to halt him, starting the fourth set with a break. Yet, once again, Aliassime didn't crumble, staying in the match, and when 'Demon' served to push the match to a fifth set, the Canadian broke him and brought it back to the wire.

It was the ultimate test to see whether the Canadian had not only regained his tennis but also the mentality of a top player, defined in tense moments like this. And finally, he proved his worth, with the composure of a player aspiring for greatness and with a game that can trouble anyone to secure a spot in the US Open semifinals (4-6, 7-6(9), 7-5, 7-6(4)). After a long time, the threat of Félix Auger-Aliassime is confirmed.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, La resiliencia de Aliassime tira el muro de De Miñaur y vuelve a unas semifinales del US Open