Felix Auger-Aliassime showcased his remarkable talent and resilience on Sunday by clinching the Open Occitanie title in Montpellier, France, defeating American qualifier Aleksandar Kovacevic 6-2, 6-7(7), 7-6(2). This victory marks Auger-Aliassime's seventh ATP Tour title and his second triumph of the young 2025 tennis season.
The final was intensely competitive, taking just under three hours to complete. Auger-Aliassime, the second seed, displayed outstanding serving throughout the match, hitting 19 aces and winning 78% of his first serve points. Despite his dominant performance earlier this week, Kovacevic, ranked 102nd, proved to be a formidable opponent, becoming the only player to take a set off Auger-Aliassime during the tournament.
The Canadian started the match forging a lead with relative ease, breaking Kovacevic twice to claim the first set decisively. Yet, the tone of the match shifted dramatically when Kovacevic raised his game, tying the match after contesting the second-set tiebreaker. "For sure, it was the craziest final I have played, whether I won or lost," Auger-Aliassime stated after the match. He credited Kovacevic for eleving his play and admitted it was the kind of match deserving of three sets.
Kovacevic’s week had been exceptional; he battled through the qualifying rounds to reach his first ATP Tour final, impressively defeating top seeds along the way, including Andrey Rublev, the number one seed. This performance offers him ample reason for optimism, as he is set to rise to No. 75 in the world rankings.
“It was the most fun I've ever had on a tennis court,” Kovacevic remarked, reflecting on his incredible run at the tournament. He appreciated sharing the court with elite players and noted how much he had engaged with the experience.
The turning point of the match emerged when Auger-Aliassime, holding championship points during the second set tiebreak, couldn’t convert as Kovacevic strung together points at the perfect time. Auger-Aliassime stayed focused, and strategized well, converting two-of-three break points across the match. After the fierce battle of the second, Auger-Aliassime regained control during the final set tiebreak.
This win adds to Auger-Aliassime's growing legacy on indoor hard courts, with six of his seven titles coming under such conditions. His versatility and strategic mindset were highlighted as he successfully navigated the pressure of the tiebreak to close the match decisively.
Auger-Aliassime's performance this season presents remarkable promise as he heads to the ATP 500 tournament at Rotterdam, where he enters as one of the favorites based on his current form. He has managed to improve his record to 10-2 for the season as he aims for continued success.
Meanwhile, the outcome at Montpellier is not just significant for Auger-Aliassime, but it also offers Kovacevic a strong platform to build upon as he develops his ATP career. His demonstrated grit and abilities have garnered him respect within the tennis community.
Sunday's match showcased not only the talent present on the ATP tour but also the unpredictable nature of the sport, where any player can rise to the occasion and make history. Fans of tennis will be watching closely as both players progress through the season, with Auger-Aliassime seeking to solidify his status as one of the leading players and Kovacevic aiming to continue his upward surge.
This victory is certainly a pivotal moment for Auger-Aliassime, signifying his resurgence after struggling for form the previous year. His confidence grows with each title win, and the broader implications for his competition status are vast. Tennis enthusiasts worldwide will surely be intrigued to see how this momentum will play out as the season continues.