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ATP Astana: Andrey Rublev celebrates opening win, Auger-Aliassime fails

While Andrey Rublev started the ATP 500 event in Astana with a largely safe opening win, Felix Auger-Aliassime had to admit defeat to Roberto Bautista Agut in round one.

by Michael Rothschädl
last edit: Oct 03, 2022, 06:16 pm

Andrey Rublev started victorious in the Astana ATP 500 event
© Getty Images
Andrey Rublev started victorious in the Astana ATP 500 event

Especially in view of Felix Auger-Aliassime's recent performance, this early defeat at Astana's top-ranked ATP 500 event comes as a surprise. But: the Canadian did not have it easy in Kazakhstan, already in lap one the 22-year-old faced Roberto Bautista Agut, a seasoned top man.

The Spaniard also impressively demonstrated this, in round one Bautista Agut managed the early break to 3: 2, which he was finally able to safely transport to a 6: 4 set win. Although Auger-Aliassime was able to make the second section much more balanced and with the score of 5: 4 in the tie-break already sniffed the set equalization, Bautista Agut remained strong and fixed the 6: 4 and 7: 6 (6) success a few moments later.

Alcaraz and Djokovic know second round opponents

While Bautista Agut is now waiting for the winner in the duel between Pavel Kotov and Alejandro Davidovich-Fokina, Andrey Rublev already knows his opponent in the second round. The Russian prevailed in a largely one-sided game against Laslo Djere on Monday and now meets Zhinzhen Zhang, who surprised against Aslan Karatsev. Adrian Mannarino, on the other hand, is the scheduled second round opponent of Carlos Alcaraz, who opens against David Goffin on Tuesday, after his three-set win over Stan Wawrinka.

The number seven of the tournament, Hubert Hurkacz from Poland, is already in round two. This prevailed against Francisco Cerundolo after a clear opening set with 6:2 and 7:6 (2). Possible second round opponents are Alexander Bublik and Tallon Griekspor. The latter's compatriot, Botic van de Zandschulp, also clearly won his opening match - the Dutchman would be Novak Djokovic's second-round opponent.

Click here for Astana's draw!

by Michael Rothschädl

Monday
Oct 03, 2022, 06:55 pm
last edit: Oct 03, 2022, 06:16 pm