Félix Auger-Aliassime secured his second title of the season at the ATP 250 tournament in Montpellier, marking his seventh career trophy. In a thrilling final against Aleksandar Kovacevic, he triumphed with scores of 6-2, 6-7 (7), and 7-6 (2). Despite facing a challenging opponent who had previously defeated a top seed, Auger-Aliassime showcased his skill and resilience, improving his season record to 10-2 and solidifying his upward trajectory in professional tennis.
Félix Auger-Aliassime Claims Second Title of the Season
Félix Auger-Aliassime has made headlines once again by clinching his second title of the season at the ATP 250 tournament in Montpellier this past Sunday. The talented Quebecer has now expanded his trophy collection to seven, following a match he described as “the craziest final of his career.”
A Thrilling Final Against Aleksandar Kovacevic
In what marked the 17th final of his career, Félix faced off against American player Aleksandar Kovacevic, currently ranked 102nd in the world. The match was a true test of endurance, ending with scores of 6-2, 6-7 (7), and 7-6 (2) as both athletes engaged in a battle that intensified after the second set.
Despite his lower ranking and having to go through qualifying, Kovacevic proved to be a formidable opponent. The two players had a history, having met years ago at the Orange Bowl for under-12s, a match that left a lasting impression on Auger-Aliassime. “I never told you, but back then, I thought: ‘Wow! This guy plays like Roger [Federer]!'” he remarked after the match.
The 26-year-old American showcased his skills, particularly memorable for defeating the tournament favorite, Andrey Rublev, ranked 10th in the world, in the semifinals. This set the stage for a gripping final, especially during the second set when Kovacevic capitalized on a rare double fault from Auger-Aliassime to earn a set point, pushing the match to a thrilling climax.
Félix, known for his powerful serve and agility on indoor courts, displayed dominance throughout the first set, mirroring his performance from previous matches where he lost only one set in four games. His ability to regain focus in the final set was particularly noteworthy, especially considering his recent struggles in the Australian Open.
Once the final point was secured, a sense of relief washed over Auger-Aliassime as he dropped to his knees in celebration, signaling the mental challenges he had overcome during this intense match. With this victory, the 24-year-old has improved his season record to an impressive 10-2, highlighting his successful run that began with a title in Adelaide just before the Australian Open.
As he reflects on this achievement, it’s clear that Auger-Aliassime is on a promising trajectory, marking a significant milestone in his career as he continues to rise in the ranks of professional tennis.