Things initially look good for Ruud’s conqueror Daniel Altmaier against Felix Auger-Aliassime. But in the end, the favorite prevails.
After his high-flying performance, Daniel Altmaier has come back down to earth at the Masters in Paris.
The day after his coup over three-time Grand Slam finalist Casper Ruud, the 27-year-old tennis pro missed out on another surprise against Canada’s world number ten Felix Auger-Aliassime. Despite leading in sets, he lost 6-3, 3-6, 2-6 and will have to wait longer for his second quarterfinal appearance at a 1000 tournament.
Valentin Vacherot awaits Auger-Aliassime
After 2 hours and 6 minutes, Auger-Aliassime converted his first match point with an ace, leaving Altmaier frustrated after a previously great tournament in the La Defense arena. In the round of the last eight, the Canadian now faces a duel with the sensational winner of the Masters in Shanghai, Valentin Vacherot from Monaco. Altmaier started very confidently and immediately broke the Canadian’s serve. The German did not let himself be rattled by his prominent opponent’s break chances and took the first set.
After a confident start, Altmaier has no chance
Auger-Aliassime seemed a little inhibited at first in the battle for his place in the ATP Finals in Turin (starting November 9), which features the eight best players of the season. But he recovered, stabilized his serve, and ultimately lived up to his role as favorite.
Altmaier, who made too many double faults, was only playing catch-up from the middle of the second set onwards. He also received treatment on his right thigh, which seemed to be causing him problems.
Zverev also in action
On Wednesday, Altmaier celebrated his fifth career victory over a top ten player against Ruud. After a strong season, the Kempen native had already climbed to 50th in the world rankings. He could surpass his best ranking (47th) after this week in Paris.
Defending champion Alexander Zverev will also be playing for a place in the quarterfinals on Thursday. After his almost traditionally hard-fought opening victory in three sets against Argentina’s Camilo Ugo Carabelli, the Hamburg native now faces a duel with Alejandro Davidovich Fokina (Spain) in the evening.
