Auger-Aliassime digs deep for major comeback at Aussie Open

It appeared, after uninspired 6-3, 6-3 setbacks, that sixth-seeded Auger-Aliassime of Montreal was going to become the second major upset of the 2023 Australian Open.

They took different paths, but Canadians Félix Auger-Aliassime and Denis Shapovalov have both advanced to the third round of the Australian Open.

It appeared, after uninspired 6-3, 6-3 setbacks, that sixth-seeded Auger-Aliassime of Montreal was going to become the second major upset of the 2023 Australian Open.

But Alex Molcan, the 25-year-old Slovakian singles star, sputtered and then collapsed, as Auger-Aliassime stormed back with spirited 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 victories to avoid an early exit at Melbourne Park.

The tournament already lost its top seed and defending champion earlier in the day when Spain’s Rafael Nadal, hampered by a hip injury, fell 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 to unseeded American Mackenzie McDonald.

Auger-Aliassime, who struggled out of the gates in the first round before bouncing Vasek Pospisil of Vancouver in four sets, started even slower against Molcan, but appeared by the fourth set to have run his rival out of gas.

“I had belief in myself after winning the third set. I had come back before and I felt I could do it again. But boy, it was a difficult day,” said Auger-Aliassime, who finished with 23 aces in the match that took three hours and three minutes to complete.

Auger-Aliassime is set to face Francisco Cerundolo of Argentina in the third round.

Meanwhile, Shapovalov of Richmond Hill, Ont., had an easier time of it on Wednesday with 6-3, 7-6, 7-5 victory over Japan’s Taro Daniel.