Second seed Dominic Thiem prevailed in his highly-anticipated fourth round match against Felix Auger-Aliassime at the US Open by a 7-6 (4), 6-1, 6-1 scoreline. A close opening set on Arthur Ashe Stadium that saw the Austrian edge a tiebreaker that was followed by two lopsided sets in Thiem's favor.
Now the highest seed left in the draw, the three-time major finalist will seek his first semifinal in Flushing Meadows when he meets 21st seed Alex de Minaur, a straight sets winner over Vasek Pospisil to reach his first career major quarterfinal.
Thiem streaks past Auger-Aliassime in fourth-round clash
Thiem had an immediate chance to take the lead, holding three break points in the opening game of the match only to see his ground game let him down as Auger-Aliassime held. He had another opportunity in the Canadian's next service game,
The 15th seed's luck was out as he fired a forehand over the baseline to give Thiem a 3-2 lead. After the next four games went by without much fanfare, the Austrian served for the set at 5-4, but a lashed backhand into the net set up double break point and a forehand error brought the set level.
After each man held, with Auger-Aliassime saving a pair of break points, the set would be decided in a tiebreaker. The only minibreak went to the second seed as he pummeled a backhand down the line for a 3-1 lead. A forehand error brought up two set points and a backhand error on the first chance gave Thiem a one-set lead.
After such a competitive first set, there was little indication of what was to come as Thiem grabbed an early break in the second set to go ahead 2-0. After each man saved a break chance in their next service game, the Austrian was up a double break after a failed drop shot by Auger-Aliassime.
A love hold gave the second seed a two-set advantage and he started the third set with a break as Auger-Aliassime sprayed a forehand well wide. The sudden collapse of the Canadian's game was shocking and although he would pick up a love hold, he would win only seven points over the final eight games.
After claiming a 5-1 lead in the third set, in which Auger-Aliassime lost all 12 points on serve, a searing Thiem backhand winner on triple match point capped off what started as a promising match, but turned into a one-sided rout in favor of the Austrian.