Felix Auger-Aliassime is out of the US Open after a four set defeat to Karen Khachanov in the second round.
The Canadian had a brutal second round draw and failed to rise to the occasion against the former Grand Slam quarter-finalist.
It was the perfect start for Auger-Aliassime as he broke early and took a 3-0 lead as he played some aggressive and attack-minded tennis.
However, Auger-Aliassime’s game went off the boil after that as he lost four games in a row to go a break of serve down.
There was some great play from Khachanov but Auger-Aliassime made it way too easy for Khachanov to play his best tennis.
However, Auger-Aliassime played some electric tennis to break back as the opening set went to a tiebreak.
The Canadian made a slow start to the tiebreak but clicked into gear as the tiebreak went on as Auger-Aliassime kept his cool to take the tiebreak 7-5.
After that it all went south fairly quickly as Auger-Aliassime never really gained control of the match.
It was an aggressive and proactive performance from Khachanov who took the next three sets 6-3 6-2 6-2 to book his place in the third round.
After the match Khachanov admitted he was happy to get through, “I am not sure but maybe he had some physical issues and that is part of our sport,” Khachanov told the ATP website.
”I wish him to feel better and speedy recovery if he is injured, I don’t know. What I can say from my side is I tried to give my best performance. Fighting and I am super happy to get this win.”
As for Auger-Aliassime the Canadian reached the semi-finals last year and will now lose a lot of ranking points.
Next up for Khachanov it will be either Benjamin Bonzi or Ignacio Buse.
