Felix Auger-Aliassime is making his case for a spot on the Nitto ATP Finals loud and clear.
The Canadian gained his second title in as many weeks on Sunday when he defeated Sebastian Korda 6-3, 6-4 for the European Open trophy in Antwerp.
“It’s one other nice week. I performed some nice tennis and actually fought exhausting to face right here in entrance of you right this moment, so large shoutout and thanks to my crew,” Auger-Aliassime stated through the trophy ceremony. “My coach and my physio [are] right here and my entire household that got here all week, so thanks very a lot, it’s been an awesome week.
“It wouldn’t be so particular after all [if we weren’t] in entrance of all of you. That’s why we play tennis, to play in entrance of massive numbers of individuals like this on centre court docket, so thanks all for coming in large numbers this week.”
Auger-Aliassime stays seventh within the Pepperstone ATP Reside Race To Turin, however he now holds a 340-point lead over eighth-placed Taylor Fritz. Auger-Aliassime at present holds the ultimate qualifying place as a result of Tenth-placed Novak Djokovic has assured his place underneath the Grand Slam champion provision, which awards entry to a current-year main winner who finishes between eighth and twentieth within the Reside Race.
The Canadian arrived in Florence final week recent off a first-round exit in Astana. Since then, the 22-year-old has gained eight consecutive matches, with six of these victories coming in straight units. He produced an almost flawless efficiency on Sunday to earn the Antwerp crown after one hour and 26 minutes.
Earlier this 12 months, Korda defeated Auger-Aliassime 6-2, 6-2 on the clay of Estoril. This proved to be a really completely different match, with the Canadian taking a 2-1 lead of their ATP Head2Head sequence.
“You bought me good final time we performed, so I’m completely happy I used to be in a position to get a win over you,” Auger-Aliassime stated. “You’re such an awesome participant, so maintain going like this and good luck to you and your crew for the remainder of the 12 months.”
Auger-Aliassime earned his first service break at 3-2 within the first set, hitting a shocking forehand passing shot up the road to safe the lead. The three-time ATP Tour titlist didn’t relinquish management of the match after that.
The 22-year-old managed his service video games along with his large serving, however he additionally modified the rhythm effectively with well timed drop pictures. Korda, who was making an attempt to say his second ATP Tour title, struggled to persistently put his opponent underneath strain.
The American earned his greatest alternative at 2-1 within the second set, when he held two break factors at 15/40. Korda was not in a position to convert these alternatives, and Auger-Aliassime not solely held his serve in that recreation, however broke his opponent’s within the subsequent.
Auger-Aliassime completed his victory in type, holding to like earlier than unleashing a giant roar in celebration as his crew stood and applauded their man’s effort. Each Auger-Aliassime and Korda will journey to Basel, the place they’ll compete within the ATP 500 occasion.
Korda was unable to carry the trophy, however he’ll take confidence from advancing to consecutive finals in Gijon (l. to Rublev) and Antwerp.
“Again to again finals is a good achievement,” Korda stated through the trophy ceremony. “Sadly we couldn’t get it performed right this moment, however we’ll be again within the subsequent coming weeks and hopefully we [will] go one step additional.”
Did You Know?
Auger-Aliassime misplaced his first eight ATP Tour finals, however has since gained three of 4 championship matches, with all three of his victories coming in straight units.
