MIAMI — Montreal's Félix Auger-Aliassime showcased impressive form as he advanced to the third round of the Miami Open, defeating Australian qualifier Tristan Schoolkate with a score of 6-4, 6-4 on March 21, 2025.
The 24-year-old Canadian was a powerhouse on serve, converting a remarkable 84 percent of his service points, highlighted by six aces throughout the match. Auger-Aliassime faced only one break point during the encounter, which he successfully saved, indicating his dominance in serving.
In terms of net play, he capitalized on all 11 of his chances, showcasing his all-around game. On the return side, he managed to break Schoolkate's serve on two occasions out of nine, including an early breakthrough in the second set's opening game. This solid performance on the court allowed Auger-Aliassime to seal the victory in just one hour and 27 minutes.
Seeded 18th in this prestigious tournament, Auger-Aliassime boasts an impressive 17-6 record this season, which includes two titles. His next challenge awaits as he prepares to meet 15th seed Lorenzo Musetti of Italy. The stakes are high, as their previous six encounters have been evenly matched, with both players having won three matches apiece. Musetti emerged victorious in their most recent meeting during the bronze-medal match at the Paris Olympics, adding an extra layer of intensity to their upcoming clash.
As Auger-Aliassime advances through the tournament, fellow Canadian Victoria Mboko was also in action on the same day, taking on 10th seed Paula Badosa of Spain in the women's second-round match. While Auger-Aliassime's victory added to Canada's success in Miami, Mboko's performance was also highly anticipated by local fans.
Auger-Aliassime reflected on his match, stating, "I was solid on my serve, and I think that made a difference." Such confidence is crucial as he advances deeper into the competition, where serving well can often be the determinant factor in high-stakes matches.
The Miami Open is known for its high-caliber play, attracting elite players from around the world and offering a significant prize pool totaling over $9 million. With every round, the competition gets tougher, testing players' mental and physical endurance.
As the Miami Masters progresses, fans eagerly await the showdown between Auger-Aliassime and Musetti, with hopes high for the Canadian star to etch his name deeper into the tournament's legacy.
