Montreal’s Félix Auger-Aliassime defeated Grégoire Barrère of France 6-4, 6-3 to reach the quarterfinals of the Rotterdam Open on Thursday.
Auger-Aliassime, the tournament’s third seed, needed just 83 minutes to dispose of Barrère.
Auger-Aliassime, ranked eighth in the world, dominated Barrère with his service attack, firing nine aces and winning 78 per cent of his first serves.
“It’s never easy and it’s always tricky,” Auger-Aliassime said after the match with the French qualifier. “He played some good tennis as well, so I had to stay calm and wait for my chances.”
The 22-year-old Canadian won the hardcourt event in 2022. It was his first career ATP title, as well as the first of four tour victories last season.
Auger-Aliassime won 31 indoor hardcourt matches between the ATP Tour and Davis Cup in 2022, more than any other player. He said he likes the consistency of the surface.
“When I feel good on my serve, I feel like I’m able to do it over and over again,” Auger-Aliassime said. “These courts are good. They allow you to play, they allow you to defend, and when you hit a good shot you get rewarded.
“It’s good for me. It’s been working well.”
Auger-Aliassime will meet sixth-seeded Daniil Medvedev in Friday’s quarterfinal.
Medvedev has won all four of their previous matches.
“Felix is a top player. He won here last year and played amazing at the end of last year,” Medvedev said. “Looking forward to a tough match and hopefully I can be at my best.”