Super lucky player at Madrid Open 2024
Having advanced three times thanks to injured opponents, Felix Auger-Aliassime didn't need to spend much effort to reach the final of a Masters 1000 tournament for the first time.
In the semifinals on April 4 against Jiri Lehecka, Auger-Aliassime only had to play six games before his opponent retired at 3-3 due to a back injury. Lehecka, before the injury, was in top form, defeating Rafael Nadal and Daniil Medvedev, who retired midway through the quarterfinals.
Also in the quarterfinals, Auger-Aliassime did not break a sweat when world number two Jannik Sinner withdrew before the match due to hip pain. Earlier, in the third round, Auger-Aliassime also benefited when Jakub Mensik retired mid-match due to injury.
"It's crazy," Auger-Aliassime said after reaching the final by luck. "I don't know if this has ever happened to any player before. I've had injuries, so I sympathize with my opponents. But now I can't do anything but prepare for the final."
The injury "curse" at this year's Madrid Open has left the final rounds without big names. On her journey to her first ATP 1000 final, Auger-Aliassime also left a highlight with a 6-4, 7-5 win over in-form Casper Ruud in the fourth round. In the final, the Canadian will face Andrey Rublev - who defeated Taylor Fritz 6-4, 6-3 in the semi-finals.
Auger-Aliassime was once world number six but has now dropped to 35th due to a loss of form following injury. The 2021 US Open semi-finalist recently ended his partnership with coach Toni Nadal, Rafael Nadal's uncle. Auger-Aliassime will move up at least 15 places to enter the top 20 after the Madrid Open. If he beats Rublev, he will climb to world number 17.