‘I’m sorry’ – Murray Auger-Aliassime clash comes to unusual end with rare let

Andy Murray proved a step behind Felix Auger-Aliassime as the world number nine downed the former world number one in straight sets to advance to the quarter-finals in Rotterdam.

The young Canadian backed up his third place seeding to silence Murray and inflict a 6-3, 6-4 defeat on the 34-year-old.

The Brit was visibly irritated with his play at times, even smashing his racket after being broken in the second set.

While his frame was broken, which should have seen him receive an automatic code violation, it never seemed to come from the umpire.

Later, when Auger-Aliassime was serving at 5-4, 40-15 in the second set, Murray’s hat fell off during the rally before the Canadian hit a winner.

Normally, as long as the umpire spots the hat falling to the court, a let would be called and the point replayed.

Technically speaking, since the umpire did not see the occurrence and hence did not call a let, Auger-Aliassime was entitled to take the point and the match.

However, after Murray pleaded his case, the 20-year-old sportingly agreed to replay the point.

“I’m not trying to cheat,” Murray told the umpire

“I hit the ball and my hat fell off immediately, then I stopped, ok.”

Turning to Auger-Aliassime, he added “Felix, I promise that’s what happened, I’m sorry.”

Murray won the replayed point, but Auger-Aliassime then clinched the match at the next time of asking to advance.

The youngster takes on another Brit next in world number number 13 Cameron Norrie for a pace in the semi-finals.

Auger-Aliassime is 3-0 over Norrie, recently beating the Brit in the group stage of this year’s ATP Cup in January.

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