Superb Auger-Aliassime ends Zverev’s bid for elusive major

Felix Auger-Aliassime, a Canadian, claims that Alexander Zverev, a third-round US Open champion, did not simply “fall out of the sky.”

In New York, Auger-Aliassime’s daring attack strategy paid off, winning 4-6, 7-6, 6-4, 6-4.

In seven attempts at a major tournament, the 25-year-old had previously defeated a top-five ranked opponent.

However, Zverev’s latest attempt to win a Grand Slam was stifled by his explosive serve, vicious groundstrokes, and supreme athleticism, which all came together.

“It seemed like I was doing really well in practice.” According to Auger-Aliassime, I’ve had more clarity in my game and how I want to play mentally.

“A performance like this doesn’t fall from the sky,” he said.

Zverev, 28, is regarded by many as the best player of recent generations without a major title.

He has already advanced to three major finals, a feat he had as a teenager when he followed his older brother Mischa around the ATP Tour.

Despite his pedigree, he still appears to lack faith in the very best at the business end of Grand Slam competitions and has not yet gotten over the line, most notably when he blew a two-set lead in the 2020 US Open final.

Zverev recently sought the assistance of Toni Nadal, who helped his nephew Rafael win 16 of his 22 Grand Slam victories.

Following Zverev’s first-round exit at Wimbledon, Zverev made an appointment at Nadal’s Majorca academy, where he discussed receiving psychological help to “get out of the hole” he was in.

Nadal later claimed that he attempted to convince Zverev that he could defeat Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Novak Djokovic in New York.

Zverev’s wait for the prize he desires was prolonged by Auger-Aliassime, who ironically was coached by Nadal between 2021 and 2024.