Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime continues his stellar run at Paris 2024, knocking off Casper Ruud of Norway 6-4, 6-7, 6-3 in a thrilling three-set match in the men’s quarterfinal on Thursday.
Auger-Aliassime’s serve played a big part in his victory. He converted 45 service winners, while Ruud only had 24.
“Obviously, the serve was a big key. I’ve been serving great, but as I’ve shown, that’s not everything in my game right now,” Auger-Aliassime said after the match. Moving well, I’ve been able to put a lot of returns as well. So many things are working well, but I think physically everything’s clicking. I’m able to keep the pressure on my opponent throughout the match of three hours like this.”
Ruud pushed Auger-Aliassime in the second set, forcing a tiebreak, which the Norwegian would take to force a decisive third set.
After gaining a 3-0 advantage in the final set, Ruud would try to push the Canadian but was unable to force a comeback.
This is the second top-ranked player the 23-year-old has knocked off in Paris so far after beating Daniil Medvedev in the third round.
The road doesn’t get any easier for Auger-Aliassime as he will now take on Carlos Alcaraz in the semifinal. The 21-year-old beat American Tommy Paul to become the fifth Spaniard to reach the men’s singles semifinals since the Seoul Olympics in 1988.
“We have our ups and downs in a year. I’ve had them in my career,” Auger-Aliassime said. “Sometimes, I’m criticized. I criticize myself too. I never stop working, persevering. It’s a pleasure for me and the whole team when it pays off like that.”
In the other semifinal, Novak Djokovic will take on Italian Lorenzo Musetti for a place in the gold medal match. Djokovic overcame a knee injury to beat Stefanos Tsitsipas.
The Serbian had surgery on his knee back in June and was able to stay in the match after having treatment on the court.
Auger-Aliassime and mixed doubles partner Gabriel Davrowski will play for bronze after losing to Tomas Mahac and Katerina Siniakova of Czechia in the semifinals.