Russian qualifier Aslan Karatsev became the first player to reach a Grand Slam quarterfinal on debut in 25 years Sunday, stunning 20th seed Felix Auger-Aliassime at the Australian Open.
The power-hitting 27-year-old, a virtual unknown before the tournament started, battled back from two sets down to upset the Canadian 3-6, 1-6, 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 on Margaret Court Arena.
It continued his giant-killing run after blitzing eighth seed Diego Schwartzmann in round three, setting up a quarterfinal clash with either world number three Dominic Thiem or Grigor Dimitrov.
From qualifying to the quarterfinal 🙌🇷🇺
Who would @AsKaratsev prefer to play out of Thiem or Dimitrov in the next round? 🤷♂️#AusOpen | #AO2021 pic.twitter.com/rwo2IZL0PG
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) February 14, 2021
“It was really tough in the beginning to play agai…
Keep on reading: Giant-killer Karatsev in 25-year first at Australian Open