ATP Basel: Can Carlos Alcaraz stop Félix Auger-Aliassime?
Carlos Alcaraz meets Félix Auger-Aliassime in the semifinals of the ATP Tour 500 tournament in Basel. The Canadian has won the previous two encounters.
by tennisnet.com
last edit:
Oct 28, 2022, 10:45 pm
One thing should be noted in advance: Félix Auger-Aliassime and Carlos Alcaraz have not yet played a match under "normal" circumstances. The first meeting was in 2021 in the quarterfinals at the US Open, where Alcaraz had to give up in the second set. Mainly because he was completely exhausted. In the second game of the two it was similar. This time, however, Alcaraz was exhausted for good reason: a few days before the match at the Davis Cup intermediate round in Valencia, he had won his first Grand Slam title in New York City. Auger-Aliassime didn't care, he won 6: 7 (3), 6: 4 and 6: 2.
So now Basel. And it looks like the two opponents are using the same weapons this time. Of course, Auger-Aliassime cannot be as rested as Alcaraz after his title runs in Florence and Antwerp. So far, the euphoria has gotten the 22-year-old through quite well in Basel. For example with a 6: 1 and 6: 0 against Miomir Kecmanovic. "FAA" then spoke of the best match of his career.
Auger-Aliassime plays for Turin
Industry leader Alcaraz held his own in the round of 16 and quarterfinals against Botic van de Zandschulp and compatriot Pablo Carreno Busta in a similarly smooth manner. At the start, however, Alcaraz had to use all his art against Jack Draper to prevent a first-round defeat like in Astana (there against David Goffin).
The match on Saturday is probably more important for Félix Auger-Aliassime. Because he is still fighting for a place at the ATP Finals in Turin. With good prospects. Carlos Alcaraz has long been qualified for the end of the season.