Roland Garros: Auger-Aliassime Escapes Upset in 5-Set Win

Auger-Aliassime outlasts Altmaier in Roland Garros thriller  

The Canadian fought back after trailing in the fifth set to win a 4-hour, 20-minute match. He now faces Roman Andres Burruchaga with Medvedev out of his section.

Despite 68 unforced errors, Auger-Aliassime used his serve and forehand to edge Altmaier in a 10-point tiebreak. His best French Open run since 2025 continues...

Felix Auger-Aliassime avoided an early exit at Roland Garros by holding off Daniel Altmaier 4-6, 6-4, 4-6, 6-1, 7-6(7). The four-hour, 20-minute win kept him from joining Daniil Medvedev and Jessica Pegula on the list of big names knocked out today.

The fourth seed spent much of the match on defense and wasn’t at his sharpest. He fell behind 4-1 in the fifth set against the German, who was using his powerful single-handed backhand to dictate play.

A 5-set thriller to end the first round for FAA 🇨🇦#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/nOljuPbNBh

— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 26, 2026

Auger-Aliassime found another gear late in the fifth. He broke back to level the set, then edged through the 10-point tiebreak to close it out.

The Canadian’s backhand came under heavy pressure all match and often let him down, leading to 68 unforced errors. Still, his serve and forehand came through when it mattered, backed by 9 aces and 54 winners.

Auger-Aliassime has already gone further in Paris than he did last year, when he lost to Matteo Arnaldi in the first round in 2025.

What a battle 🔥 @felixtennis defeats Altmaier in a 5-setter to advance to R2 in Paris! #RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/KXf1eoTFJs

— ATP Tour (@atptour) May 26, 2026

He’ll meet Argentina’s Roman Andres Burruchaga next. With Medvedev out of this section of the draw earlier today, Auger-Aliassime will be looking to make the most of the opening.

Felix Auger-Aliassime rallied from 4-1 down in the fifth to beat Daniel Altmaier 4-6, 6-4, 4-6, 6-1, 7-6(7). He avoids an upset and reaches the next round in Paris.