Felix Auger-Aliassime is again in type.
Regardless of getting into the week with a 17-18 tour-level document this season, the Canadian efficiently defended his Swiss Indoors Basel title with a 7-6(3), 7-6(5) win in opposition to Hubert Hurkacz on Sunday within the ATP 500 closing.
Auger-Aliassime had made only one semi-final in 2023, and that got here in February in Doha. However the 23-year-old, who has struggled with damage, grew in confidence all through a powerful week in Switzerland, the place he misplaced just one set en path to the trophy. Auger-Aliassime misplaced the primary eight ATP Tour finals of his profession, however he has now gained 5 of his previous six championship clashes.
“I’m undoubtedly again. I let my racquet speak. That is at all times been the motto of my profession. I’ve had the conviction that I is usually a prime participant since I am a child, however there have been many doubts this 12 months about my performances and why,” Auger-Aliassime stated in his on-court interview. “I’m blissful that I used to be in a position to show to all people that I nonetheless belong among the many greatest gamers on this planet, that I can play this stage. I by no means doubted it, but it surely’s good to verify it on the court docket.”
FAAwesome as soon as once more 🙌@felixtennis retains his crown in Basel after taking down Hurkacz 7-6(3), 7-6(5)!#SwissIndoorsBasel pic.twitter.com/6dJwifYiaL
— ATP Tour (@atptour) October 29, 2023
His victory additionally dented Hurkacz’s Nitto ATP Finals qualification hopes. Had the Polish star gained the title, he would have pulled to inside 15 factors of eighth-placed Holger Rune within the Pepperstone ATP Reside Race To Turin for the ultimate qualifying spot. As an alternative, he enters the Rolex Paris Masters 215 factors behind the Dane.
The match went to 2 tie-breaks, however Auger-Aliassime appeared in management for nearly all the encounter. The Canadian dominated behind his serve, dropping simply 9 service factors throughout each units. Auger-Aliassime hit an enormous backhand return that Hurkacz couldn’t deal with to shut out the opening set and maintained that willpower all through.
From early within the second set, Hurkacz was restricted in his motion and infrequently grimaced as he seemingly handled a left leg damage, for which he didn’t name the physio. The 26-year-old battled valiantly to save lots of all 5 break factors he confronted, together with 4 within the second set, and even led by a mini-break within the second-set tie-break.
However Auger-Aliassime wouldn’t be denied his first title of the season. The 23-year-old closed out the match like he did the primary set, with an enormous backhand return.
“I’m blissful to your victory. Clearly I want the consequence was completely different, however undoubtedly you deserved it,” Hurkacz stated throughout the trophy ceremony. “It was undoubtedly a tough season for you however you’re a tremendous participant. You proved it right here.”
Auger-Aliassime started the week 53rd within the Pepperstone ATP Reside Race To Turin and with the title climbed to twenty ninth. Though he can’t qualify for the Nitto ATP Finals, it was an enormous step in the suitable route for the 2022 Turin competitor. The massive smile on his face after shaking fingers with Hurkacz spoke to how a lot the second meant.
“Quite a lot of robust instances. It was a brand new problem this 12 months being away from the court docket, attempting to handle, play tournaments by accidents with painkillers and issues like this and nonetheless at present really,” Auger-Aliassime stated. “It has been a tough 12 months general, however this feels further particular, much more than final 12 months. I feel with the primary title [of the year] is the sweetest for certain. So I’ll take pleasure in this one.”
Did You Know?
Auger-Aliassime is the primary Canadian to defend an ATP Tour title since Milos Raonic gained the San Jose title in 2011 and 2012.
