Félix Auger-Aliassime has an appointment with Rafael Nadal in the 4th round

Friday, in the third round, Quebecer eliminated Serbian Filip Krajinovic in three sets of 7-6 (7/3), 7-6 (7/2) and 7-5 and thus qualified for the round of 16 That’s why Auger-Aliassime won the last nine rounds he fought.

With this victory, Quebecer managed to reach at least the 4th round in four grand slam tournaments.

Facing a tough opponent behind the field, the young player showed patience and tormented the water drop for three hours to his 55th rival in the world.

The 9th seed relied primarily on his serve and heavy forehand to oust the Serb in the main draw. Notably he made 16 aces against 6 double faults.

His speed and dexterity also gave Krajinovic a headache. In the second set, Auger-Aliassime dramatically rushed at full speed to pick up a drop shot from his rival who danced on the white strip of the net.

Not only FAA he got the ball, but he was able to cross it perfectly after the rally with one of his 58 game wins. Auger-Aliassime, on the other hand, made 33 unforced errors.

I knew him, I knew it was always complicated against him, he said about his opponent during the day. I was able to raise my concentration level. I feel like I’m playing better with the return serve. It’s nice to come out in three sets because it can be very different.

In the next round, he will face for the second time in his career, and with his beloved clay in addition, the Spaniard Rafael Nadal.

In their first duel, in Madrid in 2019, Nadal won two sets 6-3.

” Rafa’s story here and his career is bigger than the story of the game. Me, my story is about to begin. I will try to play a good game and give myself a good chance to win. “

For the Mallorcan, he won 6-3, 6-2 and 6-4 against Dutchman Botic Van De Zandschulp.

Toni Nadal, her nephew’s longtime coach, is now working with Félix Auger-Aliassime, though she was spotted in Rafa’s dressing room earlier this week.

I have no doubt about my uncle’s feelings for me, even though he’s helping Félix Auger-Aliassime now, Nadal said. I know he feels deeply for me. He’ll be tough, I’m sure.

” It’s going to be hard, I have to play 100% if I want to give myself a chance. “

Djokovic is in control

World No. quietly qualified. 1 Novak Djokovic in the round of 16 when he defeated Slovenian Aljaz Bedene (195th) 6-3, 6-3 and 6-2.

This is the 16th time in 17 entries and the 13th in a row that the Serb has reached this stage of the competition. The defending champion was also crowned at Porte d’Auteuil in 2016.

Asked the court only after his victory to find out if he had played the perfect matchDjokovic admits he has done well, even though there is always a way to do better. I am always very motivated when I enter the court, with the desire to do my best level every time. It is not always possible to do this, but now it is very goodhe said in French.

Djokovic will face Argentinian Diego Schwartzman (16th) in the next round, beating Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov (21st) 6-3, 6-1 and 6-2.

Alexander Zverev, 3rd in the world, still fought a big fight, but he defeated American Brandon Nakashima (75th) 7-6 (7/2), 6-3 and 7-6 (7/5).

The Olympic champion from Tokyo relied on his big serve: he made 18 aces and won 77% of the points played on his first service ball. So many, especially since he surpassed 67% of the first serves. And fortunately, because if he made a total of 50 winning strokes, he made a lot of involuntary mistakes.

The 25-year-old German will face Sunday for a spot in the quarterfinals with Spaniard Bernabe Zapata (131st), who defeated American John Isner 6-4, 3-6, 6-4, 6-7 (5/7 ) at 6-3.