What Happened to Auger-Aliassime at the Aus Open? De Minaur and Pegula Shine!
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Synopsis
In a dramatic turn at the Australian Open, Felix Auger-Aliassime retired due to cramps, granting Nuno Borges a win. Meanwhile, Alex de Minaur and Jessica Pegula showcased stellar performances, advancing smoothly to the next round. Discover how these events unfolded and what they mean for the ongoing tournament!
Key Takeaways
- Felix Auger-Aliassime retires due to cramps.
- Nuno Borges secures an unexpected victory.
- Alex de Minaur advances easily in the tournament.
- Jessica Pegula showcases dominance against Zakharova.
- Pegula continues her strong start to the Grand Slam season.
Melbourne, Jan 19 (NationPress) The seventh seed, Felix Auger-Aliassime, had to retire due to cramps during his initial match at the Australian Open on Monday, giving Portugal's Nuno Borges a lead of 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 and ultimately the win.
The 25-year-old Canadian, who reached the semifinals at the US Open last year, was eager to build on that success as the 2026 season commenced. However, he experienced discomfort in his upper left leg, leading to a medical timeout late in the third set and additional treatment before the fourth. After just two points in the fourth set, Auger-Aliassime was compelled to stop playing.
"I'm okay, but I just started cramping at the beginning of the third set. It became quite challenging to be competitive at this level. I gave it my best for a set, but it just wasn’t feasible today," stated the Canadian after the match.
On the other hand, local favorite Alex de Minaur swiftly advanced to the second round, as the world No. 6 achieved a 6-2, 6-2, 6-3 victory over Mackenzie McDonald inside Rod Laver Arena.
De Minaur reached the quarterfinals of the Australian Open for the first time in 2025. He will face Hamad Medjedovic, who triumphed over Mariano Navone with a score of 6-2, 6-7(3), 6-4, 6-2 in the first round.
In the women's singles, Auger-Aliassime's compatriot Jessica Pegula easily defeated Anastasia Zakharova 6-2, 6-1 in a swift 66 minutes, advancing to the second round in Melbourne, according to WTA reports.
Pegula commenced her Grand Slam season with vigor, maintaining pressure as she secured break points in all eight of Zakharova's service games.
Zakharova, ranked No. 105 in the PIF WTA Rankings, managed to defend her serve twice against Pegula in the first set. After trailing 5-1, she saved three set points during a lengthy five-deuce game, which included a memorable rally where Pegula hit a ball around the post to remain in play, before Zakharova concluded with a winner into the open court.
Pegula decisively closed out the set in the next game and continued to dominate, dropping only one more game before sealing the win with a precise backhand down the line.
This victory propels her into the Round of 64, where she will compete against her fellow American and doubles partner, McCartney Kessler. Pegula currently leads their head-to-head series 1-0, having defeated Kessler in straight sets during last year's Austin final.
Point of View
The events at the Australian Open highlight the unpredictability of sport, showcasing both the triumphs and challenges athletes face. While Auger-Aliassime's retirement is a setback, the exceptional performances of De Minaur and Pegula reflect the competitive spirit of Australian tennis. We continue to support our athletes as they strive for excellence on this prestigious stage.
NationPress
21/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Felix Auger-Aliassime retire?
Felix Auger-Aliassime retired due to cramps that significantly hindered his ability to compete effectively.
Who won the match between Auger-Aliassime and Nuno Borges?
Nuno Borges won the match after Auger-Aliassime was forced to retire, leading the match 3-6, 6-4, 6-4.
How did Alex de Minaur perform in his match?
Alex de Minaur delivered an impressive performance, winning his match against Mackenzie McDonald with a score of 6-2, 6-2, 6-3.
Who will Jessica Pegula face next?
Jessica Pegula will compete against her fellow American, McCartney Kessler, in the Round of 64.
What is the significance of these matches in the Australian Open?
These matches are crucial as they determine the progression of players in one of tennis's most prestigious tournaments, affecting rankings and future opportunities.
