The Canadian shared his first memory of the American dating back to an under-12s junior tournament in Florida after they played in the Montpellier final.

Auger-Aliassime had two chances to wrap up his seventh career singles title in straight sets, but was ultimately pushed to the limit in a 6-2, 6-7(7), 7-6(2) win

Kovacevic will face No. 1 seed Andrey Rublev in the semifinals for their first ever match on tour.