Félix Auger-Aliassime has kicked off the 2025 tennis season with remarkable momentum, capturing his second title of the year at the Montpellier Open, also known as the Open Occitanie, on Sunday. The Canadian star won the challenging final against Aleksandar Kovacevic, triumphing with scores of 6-2, 6-7 (7), 7-6 (2).
The match was not without its tensions; Auger-Aliassime faced two match points before regrouping to secure the victory. After starting the season with the Adelaide International title earlier in January, this victory marks his swift return to form after struggling through the entirety of 2024 without lifting any trophies.
"For sure, the craziest final I have played, whether I won or lost," Auger-Aliassime remarked, reflecting on the rollercoaster of emotions during the match. His fight against Kovacevic highlighted both players’ tenacity, as the American qualifier reached the final after defeating four seeds, including the top seed Andrey Rublev.
Auger-Aliassime’s path to the final was paved with impressive performances, taking down competition such as Arthur Cazaux, Yunchaokete Bu, and Jesper de Jong, showcasing his skills on the indoor courts where he has often thrived.
After finishing 2024 ranked below the top 30 due to injuries and inconsistent results, Auger-Aliassime entered 2025 with renewed focus and determination. "I think the off-season was beneficial for me, and we’ve done some good work, so I trust we’ll get rewarded," he stated, pointing to his rigorous preparation over the winter months.
Throughout the tournament, Auger-Aliassime has expressed the importance of consistency, emphasizing his goal to return to the upper echelon of rankings. Post-victory, he expressed gratitude for his fiancée Nina Ghaibi’s unwavering support. Ghaibi, who often can be spotted cheering him on at significant matches, captured the moment with shared joy on her social media.
“Nina congratulated me, and her words always mean the world to me. The best…I’ll definitely remembers it,” she commented, illustrating not only personal but also emotional dimensions surrounding his victory.
Having now captured his seventh career title, six of which have been on indoor surfaces, the escalation of his status within the ATP tour this early on is notable. He stands at 10 wins against 2 losses for the year and has positioned himself as a player to watch.
Looking to build on his recent success, Auger-Aliassime will next compete at the prestigious ABN AMRO Open in Rotterdam, where he is the defending champion after claiming his first ATP title there last year with a victorious match against top-seeded Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Although the excitement of victory is still fresh, the road to maintaining his excellent form is challenging. Auger-Aliassime's immediate focus will be on continuing the momentum as he battles competitors aiming to dethrone him at every turn.
With the 2025 season just getting started, many tennis enthusiasts are left to ponder: Is Felix Auger-Aliassime finally realizing the potential many have anticipated since he first entered the professional scene? With two titles already secured, it seems the Canadian is determined to prove the doubters wrong and cement his legacy on the ATP circuit.