A rough season for Felix Auger-Aliassime became even worse on Monday when the No. 11 seed fell to Lucky Loser Michael Mmoh 7-6 6-7 7-6 6-4 in the first round at Wimbledon. This marks the second consecutive year Auger-Aliassime has been upset in Round 1 at the All England Club. The 22-year-old Canadian has lost in the first or second round in four of the last five Slams he has competed in.
Auger-Aliassime did not play in any grass-court events leading up to the 2023 Championships at Wimbledon. That became painfully obvious in his first-round encounter with Mmoh.
The No. 11 seed took to the All England Club with tape covering his left knee. The apparent injury in that knee reared its ugly head whenever Auger-Aliassime attempted to kick it into an extra gear around the court. Although his movement was not at 100 percent, his issues on Monday ran much deeper than that. Auger-Aliassime finished the match with 64 unforced errors, including eight double faults. He never seemed to find a rhythm against Mmoh’s serve, forcing just five break points in four sets.
The loss, however, should not be a massive surprise to those who have been locked in on the young Canadian this year.
Auger-Aliassime holds a 13-12 record on the season and has won just a single match since the Miami Masters in late March. He sits at No. 36 in the Singles Race, and has beaten just one top-25 player this season. His struggles with consistency have spanned all surfaces.
For the 22-year-old Canadian, it will be vital for him to quickly throw this performance in the rearview mirror. He should take the next few weeks to get as healthy as possible ahead of the North American hardcourt swing. Auger-Aliassime has had previous success during the summer months, and can be a contender in Toronto, Cincinnati, and Flushing if he turns his form around.
Photo Credit: Susan Mullane – USA TODAY Sports
