Auger-Aliassime beats Hijikata in four at US Open opener

Felix Auger-Aliassime came through a four-set opening test at the US Open, edging Rinky Hijikata 7-5 4-6 6-3 7-5 after surrendering the second set. The Canadian's serve carried him through the tight passages: 17 aces and 79.1% of first-serve points won, from a solid 65.6% first-serve rate, gave him control of the two 7-5 sets. His 11 double faults and a modest 42.2% behind the second delivery kept Hijikata in touch, the Australian winning 44.6% of his own second-serve points despite landing only 55.2% of first serves. For Auger-Aliassime, it was a hard-earned passage into the second round.