The all Canadian match-up between Denis Shapovalov and Felix Auger-Aliassime came to an abrupt end in the third set.
With Shapovalov taking the first set 7-5 before the younger Canuck took the second with a score of 7-5, Auger Aliassime was forced to retire after experiencing a racing heart in their first-round match, according to ESPN.
Shapovalov, 19, lead the 18-year-old 4-1 before medical staff consulted him. After he briefly returned to action for three games, the Montreal native was forced to forfeit.
With Shapovalov feeling empathetic for his fellow Canadian, the Richmond Hill, Ontario, product made sure he went over to console with young Felix, who was visibly upset in what was truly an emotional and wholesome moment that'll make Canadian and tennis fans admire Shapovalov's sportsmanship.
And itβs moments like that which makes their friendship so special.
Shapovalov will now face Andreas Seppi of Italy in second round action. Shapovalov is currently the youngest player ranked (28) in the ATP top 100, while Auger-Aliassime is the youngest player in the ATP top 200 ranking.
With a combined age of 37, the two Canadians were the youngest two tennis players at the U.S. Open since then Novak Djokovic (19) defeated Donald Young (17) in the 2006 tournament.
The future of Canadian tennis is in good hands.
