Felix Auger-Aliassime hopes to ‘inspire kids everywhere’ with US Open run
Felix Auger-Aliassime overcame fellow youngster Frances Tiafoe to reach back-to-back Slam quarter-finals for the first time.
After a slow start, the 21-year-old Canadian roared back to claim the match in four sets, 4-6, 6-2, 7-6 (8-6), 6-4 to book a place in the last eight.
The crowd definitely enjoyed the battle, backing the American talent, but not to the point of disrespect towards Auger-Aliassime.
“Definitely, this is one of a kind,” Auger-Aliassime admitted in front of an energetic Arthur Ashe crowd on the atmosphere of the encounter.
“You guys are the best, you know, I don’t know what to say, you guys are amazing.
“I understand supporting your fellow American (Tiafoe), he deserves to be applauded. He’s done an amazing effort.
“You know, Frances and I are friends, we worked hard to be here, I hope this inspires also other kids here in New York, and back in Canada and all over the world.”
With the victory, Auger-Aliassime becomes the youngest man to reach consecutive Slam quarter-finals since Juan Martin del Potro did so as a 20-year-old in 2009.
The Argentine reached the quarter-finals of the 2008 US Open and the 2009 Australian Open.
“I’m really happy,” Auger-Aliassime continued. “It’s a great win for me, and I’m happy to be through.”
Despite his youth, the 21-year-old star will be the ‘veteran’ come his quarter-final match-up.
His opponent is 18-year-old Spanish breakthrough prospect Carlos Alcaraz, making just his fourth Slam main draw appearance.
Alcaraz is the youngest man to reach a singles quarter-final since Michael Chang did so at the French Open back in 1990.
“I hope we’ll play a good match on Tuesday,” Auger-Aliassime ended his on-court interview by saying.
Read >> US Open BREAKING NEWS
Watch >> US Open LIVE SCORES
Catch up >> US Open ‘Second Service’
Enjoy >> US Open LIVE COMMENTARY
Order >> US Open SPECIAL MAGAZINE
Follow >> Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & YouTube
Join >> Tennishead CLUB, the world’s only virtual tennis club