Felix Auger-Aliassime suddenly retired after losing the second set of his match at the Rotterdam Open.
The world No. 23 was playing his first match since lifting the Montpellier title on Sunday and took a close first set in a tiebreak.
He called the doctor and physio before losing the second set and commentators were stunned to see Auger-Aliassime forfeit the match, claiming it came « out of nowhere ».
A former champion in Rotterdam, Auger-Aliassime started his campaign against Italian qualifier Andrea Vavassori. The Canadian lifted his seventh career title over the weekend and jetted straight to the Netherlands to continue his tear on his favourite indoor hard court surface.
He edged out Vavassori in the first set, taking it 7-3 in a tiebreak, but there were warning signs for Auger-Aliassime in the second set. He appeared to pull up during a point at 3-3 and got broken.
In the next changeover, Auger-Aliassime called for both the physio and the doctor. The umpire could be heard saying: « For the next changeover we need] the physio for Mr Auger-Aliassime for the toe.
« He has pain in the toe and he asked for the doctor as well. »
Despite his earlier issues, commentators were stunned when Auger-Aliassime suddenly called it quits as Vavassori took the second set 6-4 to level the score.
« He wraps up the second set and it looks like Felix Auger-Aliassime is struggling physically. Again, didn’t move for that volley, » Lee Goodall said.
The 24-year-old approached his opponent to shake hands and Goodall added: « And it’s all over, from out of nowhere, clearly the issue, whatever it is, too painful for the Canadian to continue. »
Colin Fleming replied: « Gutted for Auger-Aliassime. Such a good start to the year, two titles, but he’s had so many injury issues over the last few years. Let’s hope this is nothing too major. Is it the foot? Is it the toe? »
Auger-Aliassime had a quick turnaround after winning a thrilling three-set final in Montpellier, where he beat Aleksandar Kovacevic 6-2 6-7(7) 7-6(2). After lifting the trophy on Sunday, he said: « For sure, the craziest final I have played, whether I won or lost.
« It was a crazy match. I couldn’t have got a better start. I was feeling good, but credit to Aleks, he raised his level.
« I think it was a very high level on both ends, serving well. This match deserved to go three sets with the way he was playing in the second. »
Meanwhile, Vavassori advances to the second round where he meets No. 1 seed Carlos Alcaraz.
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