US Open 2025: Auger-Aliassime outplays Rublev to reach quarterfinals

Félix Auger-Aliassime defeated Andrey Rublev in straight sets, 7-5, 6-3, 6-4, in the round of 16 at the US Open 2025, held at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York on Monday, September 1. The 25th-seeded Canadian overcame the 15th-seeded Russian in a two-and-a-half-hour match marked by intense rallies and a strong serving performance. With 13 aces and an 83% first-serve point win rate, Auger-Aliassime secured his spot in the quarterfinals of the Grand Slam, where he will face the winner of the Novak Djokovic vs. Taylor Fritz match. The victory reinforces the rise of the young Canadian, who previously eliminated Alexander Zverev in the third round. Watched by thousands at the stadium and broadcast globally, the match showcased Auger-Aliassime’s tactical consistency and mental strength.

The match started evenly, with both players holding serve in the early games. Auger-Aliassime found his rhythm late in the first set, converting the fourth set point to win 7-5. In the second set, he maintained pressure, capitalizing on Rublev’s errors to break serve and close it out 6-3. The third set saw Rublev attempt a comeback, but Félix stayed composed, sealing the set 6-4 after saving crucial break points. This victory marks their first Grand Slam encounter, despite Rublev leading their head-to-head 7-1.

• Key moments of the match:
  • First set: Auger-Aliassime clinched the set point after a 32-point rally.
  • Second set: A break in the fifth game secured the Canadian’s advantage.
  • Third set: Félix saved a break point with an ace at a critical moment.
  • Serving performance: 13 aces and 83% points won on first serve.

The win strengthens Auger-Aliassime’s confidence, as he reaches the US Open quarterfinals for the second time, following his 2021 semifinal run.

Auger-Aliassime’s tactical performance

The Canadian entered the court with a clear strategy: leverage his serve and maintain aggression from the baseline. His preparation was evident from the start, with precise reading of Rublev’s serves, resulting in 37 points won on return. Auger-Aliassime varied his shots, using slices and net approaches to unsettle Rublev, known for his powerful forehand. The 25-year-old committed only four double faults compared to Rublev’s six and won 63% of second-serve points, showing consistency under pressure. His upset over Zverev in the third round seems to have boosted his confidence to take on top-tier opponents.

• Félix’s strengths:
  • 83% first-serve point win rate, among the tournament’s best.
  • 11 forehand winners, targeting Rublev’s weaker side.
  • Mental composure, saving 4 of 7 break points.

Auger-Aliassime’s performance reflects his tactical evolution, especially in high-stakes matches, cementing him as a threat in Flushing Meadows.

Rublev’s challenges

Andrey Rublev showed flashes of brilliance, particularly in the second set, where he attempted a comeback with baseline winners. However, the Russian struggled to maintain consistency, especially on serve, with only 56% of first serves in play. His six unforced errors in the third set proved costly, allowing Auger-Aliassime to capitalize on key moments. Rublev, a four-time US Open quarterfinalist, including in 2023, couldn’t replicate his past success, such as his 2024 Madrid Masters 1000 title against Félix himself.

Rublev also faced pressure from an unfavorable head-to-head record. Despite dominating Auger-Aliassime historically, the Arthur Ashe match exposed his struggles to vary pace against an ascending opponent. The match featured intense exchanges, including a 37-point rally in the first set, won by Félix.

US Open history

Auger-Aliassime reached the quarterfinals with a strong tournament run, defeating Roman Safiullin and Billy Harris in straight sets and upsetting world No. 3 Alexander Zverev in the third round. His current campaign mirrors his 2021 run, when he reached the semifinals, his best Grand Slam result. Rublev, with a more consistent US Open record, fell short of the quarterfinals this time, despite earlier wins over Coleman Wong, Tristan Boyer, and Dino Prizmic.

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• Félix’s 2025 US Open path:
  • First round: Beat Billy Harris (straight sets).
  • Second round: Defeated Roman Safiullin (straight sets).
  • Third round: Overcame Alexander Zverev (3-1).
  • Round of 16: Defeated Andrey Rublev (3-0).

Auger-Aliassime’s run highlights his ability to compete against elite players, a milestone he hadn’t achieved against top 5 players in Grand Slams before this year.

What’s next

Auger-Aliassime’s next challenge will be the winner of Novak Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, or Taylor Fritz, the American hope playing at home. The match, set for Arthur Ashe Stadium, will test the Canadian further, who aims to match or surpass his 2021 semifinal run. Djokovic, if he advances, brings a formidable record, while Fritz will have the home crowd’s support. Félix’s consistent play and adaptability position him as a strong contender.

The US Open 2025 continues with other high-profile round-of-16 matches, like Jannik Sinner vs. Alexander Bublik and Carlos Alcaraz vs. Jiri Lehecka, signaling a tournament packed with rising stars and established veterans. Auger-Aliassime’s consistency makes him a player to watch in the later stages.

Numbers that defined the match

Auger-Aliassime’s victory was built on impressive stats. Beyond his 13 aces, he scored 104 total points to Rublev’s 80, won 19 games to 12, and secured three consecutive game wins, showing dominance in critical moments. His serving efficiency and ability to neutralize Rublev’s aggressive play were decisive.

• Key match statistics:
  • Total points: Auger-Aliassime (104) vs. Rublev (80).
  • Break points converted: Félix (4/7) vs. Rublev (1/4).
  • Service points: Félix (56) vs. Rublev (44).
  • Unforced errors: Félix (12) vs. Rublev (18).

These numbers underscore the Canadian’s tactical superiority in a high-level technical matchup.

Arthur Ashe Stadium’s significance

Arthur Ashe Stadium, the world’s largest tennis arena with over 23,000 seats, was the perfect stage for the clash. The vibrant atmosphere, with fans split between the charismatic Rublev and the rising Auger-Aliassime, added excitement. The venue, known for hosting historic US Open moments, saw another memorable chapter with Félix’s win, captivating the crowd with his intensity and precision.

The match was broadcast globally, with coverage in Brazil via ESPN and in India via Star Sports, highlighting its international significance. As the final Grand Slam of the year, the US Open continues to draw global attention, and Auger-Aliassime’s performance at Arthur Ashe solidifies his status as a rising star.