Félix Auger-Aliassime is making waves at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, cruising through to the semifinals with another straight-sets victory. The Canadian No. 1 showcased his powerful serve to overcome eighth-seed Jiri Lehecka, winning 6-3, 7-6(2) in the quarter-finals.
Auger-Aliassime was in top form, firing 16 aces and winning an impressive 83% of his first-serve points. While he recorded 23 unforced errors, Lehecka struggled more significantly, tallying 41.
The match began with Auger-Aliassime taking a bit of time to adjust to Lehecka’s serve, managing just a single point in the Czech's first two service games. However, the Canadian ramped up the pressure as the set progressed.
At 3-3, Auger-Aliassime earned his first break point at 30-40. Although Lehecka responded with one of his seven aces, a series of unforced errors eventually gave Auger-Aliassime the break.
The ninth game mirrored the seventh, as Auger-Aliassime broke again at 3-5, clinching the first set with precision.
In the second set, Auger-Aliassime’s serve was initially tested, facing two break points in the opening game. Yet, he responded in style, winning 17 of the next 20 service points and delivering six aces during that stretch.
Lehecka showed resilience, denying Auger-Aliassime the chance to serve out the match by saving five break points in the eighth game, leveling the set at 4-4.
Both players battled through tight holds, leading to a tiebreaker. Auger-Aliassime dominated the breaker, winning six consecutive points after a 1-2 deficit, and sealed the match with back-to-back aces.
Having finished as last year’s runner-up, Auger-Aliassime is set for a thrilling semifinal clash against world No. 11 Daniil Medvedev on Friday. His current form suggests he's more than ready for the challenge.