Auger-Aliassime pulls upset

Felix Auger-Aliassime has heard his name pronounced incorrectly so many times it doesn’t even faze him anymore.

After beating a Top-20 opponent for the first time in his career Tuesday, the Montreal teenager is doing what he can to make his name more memorable.

Auger-Aliassime (pronounced ohZHAY ah-lee-ah-SEEM) upset Lucas Pouille of France 6-4, 6-3 at the Rogers Cup, cruising into the second round of the tournament in his main draw singles debut.

Still beaming after the biggest win of his career, Auger-Aliassime explained the origin of his name to reporters, detailing how his father, an African immigrant, insisted that his mother’s French name be included to give Felix more recognition in Quebec.

“I hear all kinds of (pronunciations), like obviously in English ‘ogre’ is always present,” Auger-Aliassime said with a laugh.

“But no, it doesn’t really matter if people mispronounce.”

Auger-Aliassime, who reached a career-high No. 133 world ranking heading into the week, needed just one hour 18 minutes to down the No. 18 Pouille on centre court at Aviva Centre.

The Canadian wild card saved 5-of-6 break points and converted on 3-of-6. He also fired five aces — including four in the second set alone — and won 73 per cent of his first service points.

It was his second career win at a Masters 1000 event and first since an opening-round victory at Indian Wells against fellow Canadian Vasek Pospisil in April that made him the first player born in the 21st century to win an ATP Tour-level match.

Auger-Aliassime, 17, plays Russian qualifier Daniil Medvedev in the second round, again on centre court.

The breakout star from last year’s Rogers Cup, 19-year-old Denis Shapovalov of Richmond Hill, Ont., also advanced to the second round, defeating No. 46 Jeremy Chardy of France 6-1, 6-4 in the night match.