Felix Auger-Aliassime and Sebastian Korda will meet for the first time in a tantalizing second-round showdown in Acapulco on Wednesday. The winner will go up against either Stefanos Tsitsipas or John Isner.
(7) Felix Auger-Aliassime vs. (WC) Sebastian Korda
It will be a clash of the 20-year-olds in the Acapulco second round on Wednesday.
Felix Auger-Aliassime burst onto the tennis scene early in 2019, when his ranking shot up from 104 in the world to No. 60 thanks to a run to the final in Rio de Janeiro. Since then, he has made six other finals–one of which came in the Australian warm up event in Mebourne. He is 0-7 in finals so far.
Sebastian Korda bloomed a bit later than his Canadian opponent. The world No. 92 came out of nowhere and up through qualies at the French Open last fall to make the round of 16, where he lost to eventual champion Rafael Nadal. Korda has had a promising start to the 2021 season, kicking things off in Delray Beach with a run to the finals and then capturing a title at the Challenger tournament in Quimper, France. His last two events were somewhat disappointing, but the American posted a nice straight-set win over Marin Cilic in the first round this week.
This could be an interesting match in a number of ways. Both men have displayed talent and determination in their young careers; this could well be the first match of many between two future champions. And despite their ranking difference, Korda is capable well enough to make a match of it. With Auger-Aliassime playing so well this year, the underdog might have to wait a bit longer to get the win–but the promise of a possible budding rivalry makes this one a must-watch.
Cheryl pick: Auger-Aliassime in 3
Ricky pick: Auger-Aliassime in 3
WWW?
Great match up between 2 young stars….FAA in 3.