WATCH: Felix Auger-Aliassime scores ‘big win’ in Cincy – ‘I never doubted myself’
The 2023 season has been a difficult one so far for Felix Auger-Aliassime, but he proved against Matteo Berrettini in the first round of the Cincinnati Open that he can “still play great tennis”.
The Canadian started the campaign at No 6 in the ATP Rankings, but he has slipped to No 14 on the back of five consecutive defeats. Before Monday’s clash against Berrettini, his record for the year was a modest 13-13.
But that ticked over to 14-13 after an impressive come-from-behind victory over his Italian rival, who has played some great tennis in recent weeks.
The 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 scoreline has given Auger-Aliassime a much-needed confidence boost following his recent struggles, although the man himself insists he never doubted his abilities.
“It’s a big win. It’s been a tough year, dealing with new things,” the 23-year-old said. “Every win that I get, I’m happy, from now on. Of course the tournament has just started and I want to go further. I still have high ambitions. I never doubted myself.
“There’s comments right and left, but at the end of the day I know my tennis didn’t leave me. I know I can still play great tennis and I’ve proved it again. So I’m going to try to keep going that way and it’s a positive start. Let’s try to keep this rolling.”
Berrettini had the early advantage after breaking in game five as he took the opening, but the Canadian took it to a decider with breaks in games four and eight of the second.
A single break in game six of the third set earned the 12th seed the much-needed victory.
“I think I was able to turn my frustration from the first set and from the missed opportunities and errors into something positive,” he said.
“I think I had that fire inside that I didn’t want to quit on anything during this match and it’s great that it turned out my way. I’ve been training well, trying my best, and when the results [come] it is a great feeling. I’m very relieved, it’s a good win, and the effort has to keep going now.”
Up next is Adrian Mannarino, who defeated fellow Frenchman Richard Gasquet while a third-round encounter against sixth seed Holger Rune could be on the cards.
Meanwhile, Jordan Thompson earned a second-round clash against world No 1 Carlos Alcaraz after defeating John Isner 7-6 (7-5), 7-6 (6-2) while several other matches were postponed due to rain in Ohio.
READ MORE: Are Alexander Zverev, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Felix Auger-Aliassime destined to be nearly men?
