In an evening match on the ABN Amro World Tennis Match, the ambiance appeared much more raucous, the music louder, much more present lights. There have been yells of “Come on, Andy.” And although the Scot confirmed his typical ardour and want, he by no means fairly acquired inside touching distance.
Third seed and world No. 9 Felix Auger-Aliassime of Canada defeated wildcard and former world No. 1 Andy Murray of Nice Britain 6-3, 6-4 in a single hour and 38 minutes.
Together with his exact and highly effective serve and forehand, his swish footwork, the Canadian acquired off to a quick begin, racing to a 4-love lead. After taking the primary set, Auger-Aliassime acquired an early break within the second to guide 2-1. Then Murray broke again at love for 2-all. Auger-Aliassime broke once more within the shut fifth recreation, after which every held serve to the top, with Murray not capable of catch up.
There have been glimpses of wonderful stuff from Murray: classic backhands down the road, ferocious forehands cross, deft dropshots, intelligent lobs, clear returns, angle volleys.
Murray, who gained the title in Rotterdam in 2009, hoped to file his third consecutive High 10 win. In his final two matches versus High 10 opponents, Murray beat No. 10 Hurkacz (2021 Vienna) and No. 10 Sinner (2021 Stockholm).
Auger-Aliassime achieved his career-high No. 9 after serving to Canada win the 2022 ATP Cup title, defeating No. 3 Zverev alongside the way in which for the largest win of his profession.
In his on-court interview, Auger-Aliassime stated: “From the beginning of the match, I used to be prepared and targeted and I feel that’s the reason I used to be capable of produce a excessive stage from the primary level.
“He made me convey out my greatest tennis, and I’m actually proud of the way in which I performed and that I used to be capable of keep forward and win in straight units is a superb reduction.”
In his press convention after the match, Murray stated: “There’s nonetheless quite a lot of issues I can do higher. I attempted to do the suitable issues tonight, however didn’t execute them notably properly. There’s issues I have to work on.
“I fought arduous, I returned properly, created sufficient alternatives there on return in opposition to somebody who is among the higher gamers behind his serve.
“The consequence didn’t go my means at this time, however there was some constructive indicators. I really feel like my tennis can simply be loads higher. I don’t really feel like I misplaced tonight as a result of I used to be actually combating my motion. However I consider that my tennis can enhance offering I put in the suitable work and constantly work on the suitable issues for a time frame. I consider that can occur.”
