The world number 1 dismissed the Canadian in two sets to afford a new semi-final on earth.
Victory number 999 for Novak Djokovic. Still looking for a first trophy in 2022, the Serb qualified for the semi-finals of the Masters 1000 in Rome on Friday by eliminating Félix Auger-Aliassime in two sets (7-5, 7-6).
Opposed to the tough world number 9, the Belgradois made his experience speak in important moments, notably converting an exceptional break point in the second set, at 3-2. In the semi-final, the stage where he stopped in Madrid last week, swept away by the Alcaraz tornado, Djokovic will face the Norwegian Casper Ruud (10th) on Saturday, also winner of a Canadian, Denis Shapovalov (16th).
This victory in pain ensures the Serb to retain his place as world number on Monday, which would have been recovered by Daniil Medvedev in the event of defeat before the semi-finals. For his first duel with “Nole”, an excellent Auger-Aliassime did everything to hinder the Serb, relying in particular on his devastating serve, a nice variety of shots and fiery legs.
Join the 1000 club
The young Canadian (21), winner of his first ATP tournament in February (in Rotterdam), pushed the Serbian ogre to his limits, in particular by breaking twice, in the first then the second set, while Djokovic thought have done the hardest part. But the “Djoker” kept his cool to win in the decisive game of the second set, after 2:10, his first real test in Rome, after two first matches at a slow trot.
This is his 999th victory on the circuit. In the event of another success on Saturday, he will become the fifth to enter the club of players with 1,000 victories and more (along with Jimmy Connors, Roger Federer, Ivan Lendl and Rafael Nadal). Just over a week before the start of Roland-Garros (May 22-June 5), the 34-year-old Serb, who has won five titles in Rome, is aiming for a first title this year, after a first quarter almost at a standstill. following his incredible expulsion from Australia for lack of vaccination.