It was a tough start to the 2023 season for Holger Rune and Felix Auger-Aliassime, as both players lost their opening matches at the Adelaide International 1.
Rune, who had a very strong end to the 2022 season with his first ATP 1000 title at the Paris Masters, was unable to carry that momentum into the new year, as he lost to Yoshihito Nishioka 6-2, 4-6, 4-6. Despite putting up a fight, Rune was unable to find his rhythm and was ultimately outplayed by his Japanese opponent.
After winning the first set in a dominant fashion, the young Dane had a bad start into the second set when he got broken twice. Despite getting one break back, he couldn't avoid losing it and playing a decider. In the third set, similar situation occurred as Rune got broken twice but managed to break his opponent only once resulting in a loss in three sets.
Auger-Aliassime, who had also enjoyed a strong finish to the previous season with three consecutive titles in Florence, Antwerp and Basel, was unable to start in the same way Down Under, as he fell to Alexei Popyrin 4-6, 6-7(5). The Canadian player struggled to find his footing in the match and was unable to overcome Popyrin's solid play.
The Canadian couldn't use his only break point in the first set, and since his opponent made use of his chances, he lost the first set in 50 minutes. In the second set, Auger-Aliassime had a superb start, winning 12 out of the first 14 points. Ultimately, he was broken back and lost in a tie-break.
Both Rune and Auger-Aliassime will be looking to bounce back in their next matches and get their seasons off to a better start. While it was a disappointing start for both players, it's important to remember that it's still early in the season and there are plenty of opportunities for them to turn things around.
Overall, it was a tough day for Rune and Auger-Aliassime, but they will be looking to regroup and come back stronger in their next matches. While it may have been a rough start to the season, there's no doubt that both players have the talent and determination to bounce back and have successful seasons ahead.
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