US Open: Gerald Melzer in third qualifying round without a chance

Gerald Melzer lost to Canadian Félix Auger-Aliassime in the third round of qualifying for the US Open. The Lower Austrian lost to his 18-year-old opponent in two sets 3:6 and 0:6.

By Jens Huiber from New York City

The start of the game “not before 3:30 pm” should be seen more as a tender recommendation than as a strict instruction. The way out of the catacombs of Arthur Ashe Stadium to Court 12 is long. Gerald Melzer and Félix Auger-Aliassime were thus excused when they arrived a few minutes after the planned start of their third round affair.

Nevertheless, the grandstands were full, the Canadians predict a great future for the Canadian. What Auger-Aliassime also wanted to prove from the beginning: He only lost one of the first 13 points, Melzer was quickly trailing 3-0. And sought advice from Brother Jürgen, who had taken a seat in the coach’s box.

The soundscape was impressive: less because of the spectators who didn’t really get going in the one-sided game. Rather, the dress rehearsal for Kids´ Day took place at the same time in the Arthur Ashe Stadium. The court is located in the departure lane of La Guardia airport, from where the planes took off every minute on Friday afternoons.

With temporary success: Melzer could shorten to 3:4, but immediately relinquished his serve. The 18-year-old Canadian served confidently and added a little shovel in the second heat. Melzer saw no land on his own serve, Auger-Aliassime, on the other hand, had hardly any weaknesses. And used his second match point for 6:3 and 6:0.

After his solid victory against Lorenzo Giustino, Dennis Novak is the only Austrian to qualify directly for the main field. Gerald Melzer is still hoping to start as Lucky Loser at the last Grand Slam tournament of the year.

Here is the men’s qualification tableau at the US Open