Auger-Aliassime advances to first Grand Slam semifinal due to Alcaraz retirement

The clash between future Grand Slam contenders was cut short early on Tuesday night, as Felix Auger-Aliassime progressed to the 2021 US Open semifinals due to Carlos Alcaraz retiring in the second set.

Auger-Aliassime led 6-3 3-1 before his Spanish opponent threw in the towel, unable to continue as he had developed an injury during the match. The 12th seed had obtained an early break to start the match, and refused to relinquish control as he claimed the first set.

After being broken early in the second set, Alcaraz attempted to give it a go considering what was at stake. However, the 18-year old was unable to power through his injury, conceding the match when he could no longer continue.

With this victory, Auger-Aliassime becomes the youngest US Open semifinalist since Juan Martin del Potro accomplished this feat in 2009, the year he won his sole Grand Slam title. The 21-year old Canadian will face a sterner test in the semifinals, where World No.2 Daniil Medvedev awaits.