Auger-Aliassime 'digs deep' to reach US Open semi-finals

Felix Auger-Aliassime won US Open junior titles in singles and doubles

US Open 2025

Venue: Flushing Meadows, New York Dates: 24 August-7 September

Coverage: Live radio commentaries across 5 Live Sport and BBC Sounds, plus live text commentaries on the BBC Sport website & app

Felix Auger-Aliassime dealt further Grand Slam quarter-final heartbreak to Alex de Minaur with a battling victory to reach the US Open last four.

The Canadian came from a set down to win 4-6 7-6 (9-7) 7-5 7-6 (7-4) and reach the semi-finals at a major for the first time since 2021.

Australia's De Minaur has reached six Grand Slam quarter-finals - including three in New York - but has still yet to go beyond that stage.

It was a back-and-forth match that at times lacked quality on both sides of the net, with a combined total of 22 double faults and 93 unforced errors.

"I think it was just a lot of nerves today during the whole match," Auger-Aliassime said.

"It wasn't pretty at all times but that's what Grand Slam matches are - some days you won't feel your best but I was willing to dig really deep to stand here right now.

"The biggest challenges are yet to come but that's what I live for, so I'm going to show up and be ready for my match on Friday."

Auger-Aliassime will face either world number one and defending champion Jannik Sinner or Italy's Lorenzo Musetti for a place in the final

De Minaur found his rhythm quickly when the match got under way in front of a sparse crowd.

The tennis failed to captivate as the seats on Arthur Ashe Stadium started to fill out, with a constant murmur of chatter acting as a soundtrack to the action.

A break was enough to seal the opening set for De Minaur and it looked like the second was heading in the same direction when Auger-Aliassime dropped serve to trail 3-2, but he struck back in the next game and saved a further break point.

After taking the second set on a tie-break, Auger-Aliassime broke to lead 3-2 in the third and De Minaur began to falter.

De Minaur, a tireless defensive player, wrestled the break back but Auger-Aliassime regained his advantage in the next game before closing out the set.

De Minaur took some time off court to gather himself before the fourth and returned re-energised.

An early break put him on track to set up a decider but, from 5-2 up, he lost his way and left the door ajar for Auger-Aliassime to force a tie-break.

The topsy-turvy encounter continued with each of the first five points going against serve before the 2021 US Open semi-finalist closed out the match after four hours and 13 minutes.