Felix Auger-Aliassime played in eight ATP finals between 2019 and 2021. The young Canadian lost them all, struggling to pass the last obstacle and lift the first ATP trophy. Felix changed that this February, gathering a boost at the Australian Open and heading all the way at the ATP 500 event in Rotterdam.
Auger-Aliassime faced Stefanos Tsitsipas in the title clash and scored a 6-4, 6-2 triumph in an hour and 17 minutes. Both players were eager to end a losing streak, and Tsitsipas had to continue with his after losing all eight ATP 500 title matches!
The Canadian was too strong for the Greek, dropping seven points behind the initial shot and never facing a break point. The pressure was on the other side, and Tsitsipas could not deal with it.
Felix Auger-Aliassime claimed his first ATP title in February in Rotterdam.
Stefanos struggled behind the second serve and got broken three times from six chances offered to his opponent to fall 7-11 in the ATP finals.
Felix had the upper hand in the shortest and more advanced rallies to control the pace and emerge at the top in under 80 minutes. Auger-Aliassime grabbed an early break in the encounter’s opening game following a deep return.
The Canadian fired a service winner in the next one to open a 2-0 gap and settle into a fine rhythm. The younger player landed another booming serve in game four to move 3-1 ahead and earned another break chance in the next one after Stefanos’ forehand error.
World no. 4 saved it with a volley winner at the net and brought the game home with two more direct points to remain within one break deficit. Felix secured the sixth game with an ace and opened a 5-3 gap with a smash winner.
Stefanos held at 30 in game nine for 4-5, and Felix painted three service winners in the next one for 6-4 in 40 minutes. Like the opener, Tsitsipas got broken at love at the beginning of the second set to fall further behind.
Auger-Aliassime cemented the lead after deuce in game two for a massive advantage. Stefanos claimed four straight points from 40-15 down in the third game to avoid disaster and at least stay in touch. The Canadian secured the fourth game with a smash winner and broke in the next one thanks to the Greek’s backhand error.
Auger-Aliassime landed an ace in game six to move 5-1 in front and sealed the deal with a hold at love at 5-2 for the first out of many ATP titles.
