Felix Becomes Youngest Miami Semi-finalist In 35 Years

He's only 18, but he's already rewriting the history books at the Miami Open presented by Itau. #NextGenATP Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime became the youngest Miami semi-finalist in the tournament's 35-year history on Wednesday.

The qualifier, who played an ATP Challenger Tour event two months ago, beat 11^th seed Borna Coric of Croatia 7-6(3), 6-2 to set up a final-four matchup against defending champion John Isner. The American beat Novak Djokovic's conqueror Roberto Bautista Agut of Spain 7-6(1), 7-6(5).

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Isner will try to break Auger-Aliassime's winning streak against Top 20 competition. The Canadian has played five matches against players inside the Top 20 of the ATP Rankings, and he's won all five.

The teenager was already the youngest quarter-finalist in Miami history since Andy Roddick, 18, in 2001 and the first player born in the 2000s to make an ATP Masters 1000 quarter-final. But now he stands alone at the Masters 1000 event.

Auger-Aliassime, however, is far from the only #NextGenATP player making noise in South Florida. Compatriot Denis Shapovalov, 19, and American Frances Tiafoe, 21, will compete for another semi-final spot on Thursday afternoon.

The last time two teenagers reached the quarter-finals or better in Miami was in 2007 with Novak Djokovic (won) and Andy Murray (QF), both 19.

Read More: Felix's Philosophy: 'I'm Not Scared Of Losing | Read & Watch: Get To know Auger-Aliassime And His Family

Coric was playing in his sixth ATP Masters 1000 quarter-final, and Auger-Aliassime, his first, but the Canadian was more poised and in control. The two exchanged baseline rallies throughout the opener, with Auger-Aliassime often taking charge.

But Coric, who made the Rolex Shanghai Masters final last October (l. to Djokovic) stayed with Auger-Aliassime, until the tie-break, when he came undone. Coric double faulted for the first time in the match and badly missed a backhand on set point.

The second set mirrored the tie-break, as Coric, who hit 38 unforced errors to 16 winners, was broken to start the set when he dumped a backhand into the net. Auger-Aliassime broke once more to roll into the final four.

Did You Know?
Auger-Aliassime is projected to crack the Top 35 of the ATP Rankings on Monday when the new rankings are released.

from Tennis - ATP World Tour https://ift.tt/2TEkAWz