Felix Auger-Aliassime has secured a composed victory over Andrey Rublev, earning his place in the US Open quarterfinals for the first time since his breakthrough semifinal run in 2021. The Canadian, currently ranked 25th, defeated the Russian in straight sets with a score of 7-5, 6-3, 6-4, showcasing a strong performance in his return to Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The match was defined by Auger-Aliassime's dominant play. He hit 13 aces and amassed 42 winners to just 33 unforced errors. While Rublev managed an early break in the first set, Auger-Aliassime quickly recovered, finding his rhythm and breaking his opponent's serve four times from seven opportunities. The Canadian's control of the game appeared to frustrate Rublev, who was seen smashing his racket in anger as the match slipped away.
For Auger-Aliassime, the win carries a deeper significance. The 25-year-old admitted that returning to the quarterfinal stage after battling injuries and confidence issues "feels even better than the first time." He stated, "In '21 I was on my way back and had a few setbacks and injuries, struggles with confidence. To come back here for the second time, it feels better and more deserved. I'm soaking in every moment here."
For Rublev, the loss marks a disappointing end to his Grand Slam season. He will fail to reach a major quarterfinal for the first time since 2019, a setback for a player who has consistently reached the latter stages of the biggest tournaments. His inability to find an answer to Auger-Aliassime's power and precision on the day ultimately sealed his exit from the tournament.
Auger-Aliassime's victory over a favorite like Rublev, coming on the heels of his stunning win over world number three Alexander Zverev, confirms his return to top form. The Canadian will now face Australian eighth seed Alex de Minaur in the quarterfinal, a matchup that promises to be a compelling clash between two of the tournament's standout performers.
