ROTTERDAM, The Netherlands – Félix Auger-Aliassime repulsed bad luck. After eight unsuccessful attempts, Quebec finally won his first ATP Tour title in singles on Sunday, when he won the Rotterdam tournament in the Netherlands.
The order was large for Auger-Aliassime, the third, who faced the Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas, the fourth racket in the world and the favorite of the event.
Quebecer, however, never worried. He completely dominated the game and won 6-4, 6-2.
It was the ninth appearance in a final ATP singles tournament for Auger-Aliassime. The 21-year-old Quebec lost characteristically in the final match of the same tournament in 2020, to the Frenchman Gaël Monfils.
“It’s unbelievable that I won my first title here,” Auger-Aliassime told the audience. I only have good memories from the games I played in front of you. I will remember this week for the rest of my life. »
As soon as his victory was confirmed, Auger-Aliassime jumped for joy with his fist in the air, except that he let out a cry of pride and relief.
Quebec also found time to thank his mother, who was present on the pitch, and his entire team.
“We have been working together for a long time. It is special to be able to win my first title in front of my mother, my girlfriend and my family. “It’s the best day of my career and I hope it’s the first of many victories,” he said on the floor.
Auger-Aliassime showed their colors from the beginning of the clash, breaking the serve of their opponent in the first game, while Tsitsipas could not do the same, something that allowed the Quebecer to lead 3-1. Auger-Aliassime finally got his hands on the first set when his opponent sent the ball into the net.
Quebec was imperial in the first set, scoring five aces and making no double faults. His opponent made three double mistakes. Auger-Aliassime won all 16 points in the first serve.
As he did in the first set, Auger-Aliassime broke his opponent from the beginning in the second set. Again, he was never bothered. Montreal’s retaliated specifically for a strong serve from his opponent and led 40-0.
But Auger-Aliassime was not satisfied yet. He scored a second break serve, his third in the game, to lead 3-1. His front arms were strong, forcing Tsitsipas to make mistakes.
He then continued his momentum, to the point that Tsitsipas never came close to breaking him. Quebec was thus able to confirm his victory after one hour and 17 minutes.
Tsitsipas and Auger-Aliassime crossed swords for the eighth time in their careers. Quebec won the first two duels, but lost the flag in the next five. The last victory of Auger-Aliassime against the Greek was in 2019.
“You made it difficult for me in the last games. I believe that thanks to you I have become a better player. “You are a tough opponent and a great player,” said Auger-Aliassime, addressing his opponent.
Tsitsipas had once again defeated Quebec in a final in Marseille in 2020.
Auger-Aliassime advanced to the final by defeating the 7th player in the world, the Russian Andrey Rublev, on Saturday.
The Rotterdam ATP 500 tournament is played on a hard surface, indoors.
