Félix Auger-Aliassime was eliminated from the China Open in the first round after losing 6-3, 6-3 to Karen Khachanov on Wednesday in Beijing. The defeat marks the second consecutive meeting between the two players this month, with Khachanov having also beaten the Canadian at the U.S. Open.
How did the match unfold?
Khachanov broke Auger-Aliassime's serve in the opening set and was the only player to record a service break in that frame. In the second set, Khachanov broke again in the third game and once more in the final game, converting on four consecutive points. According to Sportsnet, Auger-Aliassime had nine aces but failed to earn a single break-point opportunity throughout the match, while Khachanov converted on three of his four break chances.
What was their earlier meeting?
The two players faced off at the U.S. Open on September 3, where Khachanov won 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 in the second round. Khachanov went on to reach the semifinals of the Grand Slam before losing to eventual champion Alexander Zverev.
What is next for Auger-Aliassime?
The Canadian was seeded second at the China Open and was competing in Beijing after helping lead Canada to a 3-1 victory over France at Quebec City ten days earlier, securing Canada's spot in the Davis Cup Final 8 in Bologna, Italy, scheduled for November 24 to 29.
Sources
- TSN: Canada's Auger-Aliassime ousted by Khachanov again, this time at China Open. Associated Press, 2026-09-30.
- Sportsnet.ca: Canada's Auger-Aliassime ousted by Khachanov again, this time at China Open. Sportsnet, 2026-09-30.
Reported from public sources.