Tennis fans debate 'most fradulent run to a big final ever' after Auger-Aliassime fortune with Novak Djokovic 2016 run touted
ATP
Felix
Auger-Aliassime had a fortunate path to the final of the Madrid Open with the
withdrawal of three of his opponents along the way to the decisive match, where
he will challenge the world No. 6 Andrey Rublev in his first Masters 1000
final.
The
Canadian was unseeded in this tournament as he entered as the world No. 35. He
progressed through the early rounds against Yoshito Nishioka (4-6, 6-1, 6-4)
and the 19th seed Adrian Mannarino (6-0, 6-4) before the withdrawals began. In
the Round of 32, he advanced by walkover after Jakub Mensik retired (6-1, 1-0,
ret.).
In the
round of 16, Auger-Aliassime achieved an excellent victory against the world
No. 5 Casper Ruud (6-4, 7-5), who had an outstanding clay campaign with a
record of 13-2 before facing the Canadian. In the quarterfinals, Jannik Sinner
did not show up to play, and in the semifinals, he only played six games
against Czech player Jiri Lehecka (3-3, ret.).
“If
Lehecka retires, then felix will have only won THREE completed matches to make
a masters 1000 final. The most fraudulent run to a big final ever.
Fans reminisce about Novak Djokovic's 2016 run at the US Open
One
fan on social media recalled Djokovic's campaign at Flushing Meadows when, as
the world No. 1, he fell in the final to Swiss player Stan Wawrinka with a
score of 7-6, 4-6, 5-7, 3-6, allowing Wawrinka to clinch his third Grand Slam
title and his first at the US Open.
Novak Djokovic at 2016 US Open
In a
curious journey through the Grand Slam, Djokovic barely played during the early
rounds. The Serbian reached the semifinals after completing just 9 sets in the
five previous rounds.
His
debut was a four-set victory against Jerzy Janowicz, and in the second round,
Czech player Jiri Vesely did not show up on the court, advancing Djokovic to
the third round. There, Russian player Mikhail Youzhny lasted only six games
before retiring.
The
fourth round was an easy affair for Djokovic against Kyle Edmund in three sets,
and in the quarterfinals against the 9th seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Djokovic won
two sets before the Frenchman also had to withdraw from the tournament. In the
semifinals, he defeated Gael Monfils in four sets, but ultimately relinquished
the title to the world No. 3 Stan Wawrinka.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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