4th-seeded Auger-Aliassime of Montreal bounced in his ASB Classic opener
The Canadian Press | Posted: January 10, 2024 2:30 AM | Last Updated: January 10, 2024
Canadian has not played singles since Paris Masters last fall
Despite getting a first-round bye and the tournament's fourth seeding, Felix Auger-Aliassime of Montreal was bounced in his opening match at the ASB Classic on Monday in Auckland.
Daniel Altmaier of Germany needed two hours, 31 minutes to edge the Canadian 7-6 (9) and 7-5 on centre court at ASB Tennis Arena.
Montreal native Auger-Aliassime, who has not played singles since the Paris Masters last fall, finished the ATP 250 Series match with nine aces, 54 service points won, and two double faults.
Altmaier, who hasn't done well in the past on hard-court surfaces, had five aces, four double faults and 60 service points won.
WATCH l Germany's Daniel Altmaier defeats Canada's Felix Auger-Aliassime:
Auger-Aliassime had 18 unforced errors, while Altmaier had 15,
Altmaier will play the winner of Monday's later match between Arthur Fils of France and Nuno Borges of Portugal.
Top-seeded American Ben Shelton bucked a trend when he beat Fabian Marozsan 6-3, 6-4 to reach the quarterfinals.
The tournament has been notable so far for the attrition rate among seeds and other leading players.
Fifth-seeded Chris Eubanks went out in the first round as did Gael Monfils — who lost to Marozsan — Roberto Bautista Agut, Denis Shapovalov and defending champion Richard Gasquet.
Third-seeded Francisco Cerundolo, seventh-seeded Sebastian Ofner and eighth-seeded Max Purcell all lost in the second round.
WATCH | Shapovalov returns to the court after knee injury: