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Matteo Berrettini Dodges Past Good Friend Felix Auger-Aliassime to Seal Semi-Final Spot at Wimbledon Championships 2021

In a bid to record his best-ever performance at grand slams, Italian player Matteo Berrettini stormed into the semis at Wimbledon after beating Felix Auger-Aliassime in four sets 6-3,5-7,7-5, 6-3 in quarter-finals.

Ahead of the quarter-final matchup against Felix, Berrettini had an incredible record of 20 wins in 22 matches on grass(since 2019). With Roger Federer losing out to Hubert Hurkacz, Berrettini will love his chances of reaching a maiden slam final.

Tennis – Wimbledon – All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Britain – July 7, 2021 Italy’s Matteo Berrettini in action during his quarter final match against Canada’s Felix Auger Aliassime REUTERS/Peter Nicholls

Watch this story: A Look Back At Roger Federer’s Record 8 Wimbledon Championship Titles

Matteo Berrettini won the first set against Felix Auger-Aliassime at Wimbledon Quarter-Finals

The next-gen Canadian player, who managed to survive a five-set contest against Alexander Zverev in the previous round, looked on and off throughout the quarter-final contest.

It was Felix who fumbled in the first set as he got a bit tight on playing crucial points. The Canadian is always known for his huge serve, but the Italian managed to read Felix’s serve, and outgunned him to clinch the first set, 6-3.

At the end of first set, both players were yet to find their best tennis. As the match progressed, both players gradually got into the rhythm and started playing their natural game.

However, the Canadian’s break-point conversion was disappointing as it proved once again that he fumbles on big points. But, a lot of credit must be given to Berrettini for serving big when it comes to crucial points in a match.

A vulnerable service game from the Italian gave a window of opportunity for Felix to claim a break point in the second set. The Canadian managed to win the set, 7-5. In an evenly tied contest, the third set became all the more significant for both the players.

Tennis – Wimbledon – All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Britain – July 7, 2021 Canada’s Felix Auger Aliassime in action during his quarter final match against Italy’s Matteo Berrettini REUTERS/Peter Nicholls

Felix lost his way after winning the second set against Berrettini

Once again, nerves got the better off Felix as he lost a crucial eleventh game in the third set at 5-5. Despite saving a couple of break points, the Canadian couldn’t find his A-game when needed the most.

As a result, the set was in the hands of Berrettini once again as he brought out the best of his serve once again to win the third 7-5.

Disappointed after losing a closely contest third set, Felix Auger-Aliassime lost his initial service game in the fourth set. At this point of time, it became evident that the Italian was going to win the match, thanks to that one break of serve.

Throughout the fourth, the Italian dropped unreturnable serves on both the Ad and Deuce courts as he didn’t allow any chance for Felix to make a comeback.

Serving for the match at 5-3, Berrettini once again hit four accurate serves to reach the semi-finals at Wimbledon. The Italian will now meet Hubert Hurkacz in the semi-finals.

Also read: “Rather See Them in Finals”: Ajla Tomljanovic on Matteo Berrettini vs Felix Auger-Aliassime Wimbledon Championships 2021 QF

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