Jannik Sinner is playing solid tennis at the 2024 Madrid Open this week, but so is Felix Auger-Aliassime, who will challenge him in the quarter-final.
This year hasn’t been good for the Canadian, who struggled with tennis until this ATP Masters 1000 event. This tournament has been hugely impressive from him so far, including the most recent win over a tired Casper Ruud.
He’s serving well, with his forehand and return also performing strongly. Sinner has been outstanding, both this year and this week. However, he’s carrying an injury, which could be problematic if he has to spend extended time on the court.
Head-to-head:
Sinner and Auger-Alaissime have played against each other only two times, and both times, the Canadian player won. That’s intriguing given the common perception by most people.
Both of those matches were played before Sinner’s significant rise in the past year. Interestingly, one of those matches took place in Madrid, suggesting Auger-Aliassime’s affinity for the Spanish capital.
It makes sense stylistically because Auger-Aliassime’s game revolves around a solid serve, and the courts in Madrid favor strong servers.
| Jannik Sinner | Felix Auger-Aliassime | |
| 0 | H2H | 2 |
| 2 | Rank | 35 |
| 22 | Age | 23 |
| 28-2 | 2024 W/L | 15-10 |
| 218-76 | Career W/L | 198-132 |
Prediction:
To be fair, if Auger-Aliassime wins this match, it would be a big surprise. The Canadian is not currently on the same level as Sinner, but he is capable of pulling off a win.
I wouldn’t be shocked to see it happen because Sinner appears to be unwell. Whether he improves with a day off is uncertain, but I believe Auger-Aliassime has what it takes to win this match now.
Prediction: Felix Auger-Aliassime to win in three sets.
