Felix Auger-Aliassime is set to delay his wedding suit fitting after advancing to the US Open semifinals on Wednesday, just one victory away from the final.
The 25-year-old Canadian has reached a Grand Slam semifinal for the second time, repeating his achievement from four years ago at Flushing Meadows.
Auger-Aliassime defeated eighth seed Alex de Minaur 4-6, 7-6 (9/7), 7-5, 7-6 (7/4) after a grueling 4-hour and 10-minute match, keeping his dreams of a first major title alive.
His impressive run in New York has left little time for wedding preparations with fiancée Nina Ghaibi, as their big day approaches.
“We’ll probably need to reschedule. It’s a tight timeline,” he mentioned about Monday’s planned suit fitting.
When asked which was more nerve-wracking, the US Open semifinal or his upcoming wedding, Auger-Aliassime found it difficult to decide.
“I’ve been in semifinals before, but I’ve never walked down the aisle,” he noted.
As the 25th seed, Auger-Aliassime will face reigning champion Jannik Sinner for a spot in Sunday’s final.
“The toughest challenges are ahead, but that’s what drives me, that’s why I train,” he expressed.
Auger-Aliassime secured his second top-10 victory at this tournament, having previously eliminated third seed Alexander Zverev in the round of 32.
He saved a set point against De Minaur in the second-set tiebreak and rallied from 5-2 in the fourth set.
“Some days, you don’t feel your best, but I was ready to dig deep and do whatever it took,” said Auger-Aliassime.
“It feels incredible. Four years ago seems much longer. The past few years were tough, but it’s even more rewarding now to reach the semifinals.”
Despite winning just once in his last three trips to Flushing Meadows amid challenging results at major tournaments, Auger-Aliassime never doubted his competitive edge.
“Having those experiences early in my career helps,” he reflected.
“If I were 35 and losing in the first round at the end of my career, I might question if I could reach this level again.
“But even over the last few years, I was young enough not to worry about the distant future. I focused on improving in the present.”
De Minaur has now lost all six of his Grand Slam quarterfinals.
“I see this as a missed chance,” said the 26-year-old Australian.
“Today was a chance to break new ground. I wasn’t at the level I needed to be, which is frustrating because these opportunities are rare.”
