National bank open Felix Auger Aliassime has an appointment with Casper

National bank open: Félix Auger-Aliassime has an appointment with Casper Ruud

For his quarter-final game, Félix Auger-Aliassime has a big client in front of him: Casper Ruud.

With the elimination of the top three tournament favorites, the Norwegian is now the top-ranked player still in contention. Ruud, the seventh player in the world, will do whatever it takes to break up the party on Central Thursday.

Auger-Aliassime and Ruud have faced each other twice since the beginning of their careers.

Photo agency QMI, Joël Lemay

So far every player has won.

The Quebecer won in Miami in 2019 while his closest opponent had the final say in Spain last year.

A very interesting duel between two players of the new generation. It could be a very close duel.

Photo agency QMI, Joël Lemay

“I saw Casper play [contre Roberto Bautista Agut], analyzed the pride of Ahuntsic municipality. It was a very high level game.

“He’s a player who reached a final at a Masters on hard. He’s very good on clay but he’s developing into a very complete player. It will be a difficult opponent.

” Morning [vendredi], it will be a very good test to see where I stand. »

A relief

After a tougher start, Auger-Aliassime looked more relaxed in their duel against Norrie. We felt him there in full possession of his means.

“The fact that I passed the first game took a huge load off my shoulders,” said Auger-Aliassime. Getting me out in the first game after a three-year absence would have been disappointing. Winning that first duel set me free.

“Now I can focus on the rest of the tournament. As I do the rest of the year. »

Auger-Aliassime got off to a strong start with four cannonballs on serve, including two aces.

“From the first hits with the racquet, I felt freer. I felt good. Him [Norrie] was also in a good light.

“Up until the middle of the round I wasn’t confident in winning the match in straight sets like it happened. »