Max Purcell has completed a memorable second day for Australia’s men at the Toronto Masters.
After Thanasi Kokkinakis won his first-round match on Monday, compatriots Purcell, Alex de Minaur and Aleksandar Vukic secured impressive straight-sets victories on Tuesday to join him in the tournament’s last-32.
Qualifier Purcell enjoyed a 96-minute 6-4 6-4 success over fan favourite and 10th seed Felix Auger-Aliassime.
It was the Sydneysider’s maiden win at ATP Masters 1000 level and a second victory against the Canadian world no.12, who he also beat at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.
The 25-year-old broke in the opening game of the contest and again in the third game of the second set but the world No.78 was most dominant on serve – sending down eight aces, winning 90 per cent of his first serves and not facing a break point.
“These top guys haven’t played me much, so they don’t really know too many…