Each match this week has been a battle for Félix Auger-Aliassime in Dubai however he has been as much as the problem. The Canadian defeated Frenchman Quentin Halys within the semifinals in three units on Friday to achieve his third closing already in 2025.
Regardless of needing three units to get previous Alexander Bublik, Nuno Borges, and Marin Cilic, Auger-Aliassime’s health performed a big function in his semifinal win. Halys received off to a quick begin however slowed because the match went alongside. The Canadian remained stable within the closing units, successful what was additionally his second three-set win over Halys in as many occasions 5-7, 6-4, 6-3.
Saturday’s closing shall be Auger-Aliassime’s first ATP 500 closing on an outside laborious court docket. He has gained three ATP 500 titles earlier than, however all of them indoors. He additionally reached a Masters 1000 closing outside final 12 months however it was on clay in Madrid.
Auger-Aliassime’s energy made an enormous distinction on this match as his 35 winners had been greater than double Halys’ 16. The Canadian additionally had 35 unforced errors however the Frenchman comitted virtually as many with 34. Break factors had been additionally important as Auger-Aliassime saved seven of 9 on his serve whereas breaking Halys 4 instances on seven alternatives.
Learn additionally: Shapovalov Solves Giron to Attain Acapulco Semis
After exchanging breaks to like halfway via the opening set, Auger-Aliassime discovered himself battling to remain alive late. Serving to remain in it at 4-5, the Canadian confronted three set factors however managed to avoid wasting all of them. However he confronted strain once more at 5-6 and at 40-AD, a fourth break/set level for Halys, Auger-Aliassime pushed a forehand extensive to drop the opening set.
It didn’t take lengthy for the Canadian to place the late breakdown behind him within the second set. He pushed Halys laborious within the Frenchman’s first service sport after which at 2-all, Auger-Aliassime confirmed off some unbelievable court docket protection earlier than whipping a spectacular forehand winner to arrange a break level. A pleasant return into the serve-and-volleying Halys’ ft on the next level drew an error to take a 3-2 lead.
As soon as once more, the late levels of the set had been difficult for Auger-Aliassime, however this time he was as much as the duty. He needed to save a pair of break factors when serving for it at 5-4 however erased each with huge serves earlier than discovering one other one on his second set level.
Auger-Aliassime stored his foot on the fuel to start out the third set, breaking to like within the third sport to safe an early benefit. He had an opportunity to increase that lead with a pair of break factors within the fifth sport and practically paid the worth when he did not convert when he fell behind 15-40 within the following sport, however a forehand winner and an enormous serve wiped away Halys’ final likelihood at a break.
Learn additionally: Q and A – NBO Montreal Match Director Valérie Tétreault on Keys, Halep, and Planning for a 12-Day Format
From there, the Canadian locked in and dominated the remainder of the best way. The Frenchman was fading because the match went alongside and Auger-Aliassime cruised via the ultimate video games, breaking for the win with a formidable backhand passing shot.
Saturday’s closing shall be Auger-Aliassime’s third already in 2025, having gained the earlier two in Adelaide and Montpellier. He’ll faceS tefanos Tsitsipas for the title. Auger-Aliassime defeated Tsitsipas for his first profession title again in 2022, though the Greek leads their head-to-head total 6-3.
Learn additionally: February Mailbag – Guillaume Marx on Canada’s Professional Success and Teaching Future Stars
