Canadian tennis star Auger-Aliassime opens with win at Barcelona Open

BARCELONA. Spain

Canada’s Felix Auger Aliassime beat his recent rust to win Wednesday’s opening match at Barcelona Open.

Auger-Aliassime aged 21 was ranked No. 9 in the world, the event was seeded 3rd. Carlos Taberne, a Spanish qualifier challenged Auger-Aliassime to win the clay-court title with a 6-1 and 3-6 victory.

Taberner, world No.1, landed 71% of his serves with seven aces. 94 connected on 81% of his first serves, but did not have any aces.

Auger Aliassime fell into the tournament with only one win from his four previous events.

His struggles this year follow a very successful start to the season, which saw him help Canada win ATP Cup, advance to the quarterfinals of the Australian Open, and win his first ATP title, in Rotterdam, before advancing to the final in Marseille.

This report was published by The Canadian Press on April 20, 2022.