Felix Auger-Aliassime swept into the Stockholm Open semi-finals with a confident performance on Thursday. The second-seeded Canadian barely put a foot wrong in a 6-4, 6-3 victory over Botic van de Zandschulp of the Netherlands in 86 minutes.
“It was another good match for me today [and] it’s always nice to win in straight sets,” said Auger-Aliassime. “He’s beaten some tough opponents this year, so I was ready to play my best tennis.”
The 21-year-old, who has booked a place in his fifth semi-final of the season, struck 11 aces and won 27 of 33 first-service points. Auger-Aliassime will next meet his childhood friend, third seed and 2019 champion Denis Shapovalov, or Arthur Rinderknech of France.
“I served great today,” said Auger-Aliassime. “I had to save a few break points, but in general I was always comfortable in my service games. I moved well and I mixed up the ball speeds and heights. The court suits me well here.”
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One error cost van de Zandschulp in the first set, when the Dutchman hit a drop shot into the net at 2-2. Although Auger-Aliassime was unable to convert four set points with van de Zandschulp serving at 5-3, the Canadian completed the 45-minute opener with a big forehand approach in the next game. Auger-Aliassime secured his fifth break point chance of the second set with another powerful forehand at 3-3 en route to his 38th match win of 2021.
Earlier in the day, Frances Tiafoe booked his place in his second ATP Tour semi-final in three weeks. The eighth-seeded American, who reached the recent Erste Bank Open final in Vienna (l. to Zverev), struck 11 aces to knock out fourth-seeded Briton Daniel Evans 1-6, 6-1, 6-1 in one hour and 47 minutes. He will next face former World No. 1 Andy Murray or American Tommy Paul.