Second seed Felix Auger-Aliassime secured his spot in the quarterfinals of the ATP Mallorca Championships with a straight-sets victory over France’s Arthur Rinderknech on Tuesday.
Making his debut at the grass-court event, the Canadian displayed impressive form. He clinched the first set 7-5 after finding the corner with a forehand winner to secure a crucial break.
In the second set, Auger-Aliassime held serve to lead 4-3 after forcing Rinderknech to the net with a drop shot. A thrilling rally ensued in the next game, culminating in Auger-Aliassime breaking for a 5-3 lead after punishing a weak drop shot from his opponent.
He sealed the match 7-5, 6-3 with a strong serve followed by a powerful forehand on match point. Auger-Aliassime will face Serbia’s Hamad Medjedovic in the last eight.
In other action, Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut overcame a first-set deficit to defeat Argentina’s Tomas Martin Etcheverry. After losing the first set 5-7, the 37-year-old Spaniard rallied to take the next two sets 6-3, 6-2.
Bautista Agut broke early in the third set with a sublime forehand to seize control. He will next face Australia’s Bernard Tomic for a place in the quarterfinals.
