At the ATP 250 Mallorca Championships in Spain, Canadian second seed Felix Auger-Aliassime powered his way into the quarterfinals with a 7-5, 6-3 victory over France's Arthur Rinderknech. Making his grass-court debut, the world number 7 leaned on a punishing forehand to dictate rallies and secure key breaks.
The match turned early when Auger-Aliassime seized a crucial break in the closing stages of the first set, rifling a corner forehand winner to claim it 7-5. In the second, a deft drop shot pushed Rinderknech forward, creating space for another break en route to a 6-3 set and a spot in the last eight.
Next up for Auger-Aliassime is Serbia's rising star Hamad Medjedovic, who has impressed with his all-court game throughout the grass season. Their clash will test Auger-Aliassime's adaptability and shot-making on the fast turf as he prepares for the electric energy of Wimbledon.
Over on Centre Court, 37-year-old Roberto Bautista Agut showcased veteran resilience against Argentina's Tomas Martin Etcheverry. After dropping the first set 5-7, the world number 43 roared back, claiming the second 6-3 and breaking early in the decider to close it out 6-2.
Bautista Agut's experience on grass emerged at key moments, landing a sublime forehand break in game one of the final set. He now faces Australia's Bernard Tomic, a former top-20 player known for his cheeky style and grass prowess, for a place in the semis.
With quarterfinals shaping up, Mallorca's grass courts are delivering high-octane tennis and surprise storylines. Keep an eye on these matchups as players fine-tune form ahead of the grass highlight of the season: Wimbledon.
Reference(s):
Auger-Aliassime, Bautista Agut advance at Mallorca Championships
cgtn.com
