Felix Auger-Aliassime 'stays calm' to remain on target in Rotterdam

On the hunt for his first ATP title, Felix Auger-Aliassime took another step forward on Friday after reaching the semifinals of the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam. The 19-year-old prevailed over Stefanos Tsitsipas' conqueror, Aljaz Bedene, 6-4, 7-6 (6).

Before facing the Slovenian, Auger-Aliassime watched Bedene's performance against Tsitsipas to prepare for their quarterfinal.

“I was actually playing doubles at the same time, but you know I had time to assess it, watch videos, see how he played him,” Auger-Aliassime told Tennis Channel’s Prakash Amritraj after the match. “See how Tsitsipas played and then kind of make an idea for myself.”

That strategy worked, as the Canadian teen cruised to a 6-4, 3-0 lead, before Bedene dug in to get back into the match.

“Things got interesting in the second,” he said. “I thought like I caught a good lead and I thought I was dominating the rallies and handling my serve very well. Things got complicated but I guess that’s tennis. I had to stay calm and accept the challenge.”

The world No. 21, who is now the youngest player remaining, next faces Pablo Carreno Busta. The Spaniard saved two match points against 18-year-old Jannik Sinner, battling for a 7-5, 6-3, 7-6 (6) victory.