Top
Felix Auger-Aliassime - popcorn first-round match at Roland Garros

‘I’ve been close’ – Felix Auger-Aliassime flawless as Novak Djokovic falters


Felix Auger-Aliassime has put Team World on the brink of winning their first Laver Cup crown with his first win over Novak Djokovic.

The Canadian star put the 21-time Slam champion to the sword 6-3, 7-6 (7-3), playing aggressively and serving 13 aces to just one double fault over the course of the match.

The victory came after Auger-Aliassime teamed up with Jack Sock to take down Matteo Berrettini and Andy Murray in doubles, meaning Team World are up 10-8 and just one win from their first Laver Cup triumph. 

“Today has been fantastic so far,” Auger-Aliassime said after defeating Djokovic. “Right now it’s been one of the best performances of my career so far.

“I’ve been close a few times in recent times against these great champions, so it feels great to get a win like this, especially in front of you in this arena and for Team World.”

Auger-Aliassime faced Djokovic in the quarter-finals of the Rome Masters in May, losing a tight two-setter 7-5, 7-6 (7-1).

He was then the only man to push Rafael Nadal to five sets in the Spaniard’s run to a 14th French Open title a few weeks later, losing 6-3, 3-6, 2-6, 6-3, 3-6 in the fourth round there.  

After two wins for Team World to open the final day of competition, Auger-Aliassime is feeling good about results to come. 

“It’s difficult to get better momentum going [than this],” he continued. Two wins in a row for us, it’s a big day against big opponents. 

“The next match won’t be easy, but I’m confident in my team that they can clinch a victory.”

🎾 Free >> Join our legendary newsletter

🎾 Join >> Receive $700/£600 of tennis gear from the Tennishead CLUB

🎾 Social >> Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & YouTube

🎾 Read >> World’s best tennis magazine

🎾 Watch >> How to enjoy ATP/WTA/Slam tennis on TV

🎾 Shop >> Lowest price tennis gear from our trusted partner