Montpellier's Arena is set to witness the thrilling final of the 2025 Open Sud de France, where Aleksandar Kovacevic will face off against Felix Auger-Aliassime. Scheduled for Sunday, February 2nd, at 9:00 AM ET, this match promises to be one of the highlights of the tennis season as both players aim for the coveted title on indoor hard court.
Kovacevic, currently ranked No. 102, has surged through the tournament, overcoming significant opponents, including top seed Andrey Rublev. The American secured his spot in the final after defeating Rublev with scores of 7-5, 6-4. Reflecting on his remarkable performance, Kovacevic noted, "It seems like every day we have the same conversation about me playing the best match I ever played." This showcases his growth and confidence as he prepares to face the formidable Auger-Aliassime.
On the other side of the net stands Felix Auger-Aliassime, the second seed and currently ranked No. 23. He advanced to the final after prevailing against Jesper de Jong with scores of 6-4, 7-6 (4) during the semifinals. Auger-Aliassime expressed, "The second set was very tricky, up and down," pointing to the challenging nature of the previous match and his determination to maintain focus and composure under pressure.
According to predictions from Dimers, Auger-Aliassime enters the match as the clear favorite, boasting a win probability of 74%. Greg Butyn, a data analyst from Dimers, stated, "Using the most recent data, we ran 10,000 simulations of Sunday's Kovacevic-Auger-Aliassime match…" highlighting the comprehensive analysis behind the odds. This data suggests Auger-Aliassime also has a 69% chance of winning the first set, adding to the mounting expectations for the Canadian player.
Over the past year, Kovacevic has shown significant potential on hard courts, winning 81.3% of his service games and converting 34.3% of break-point chances. Nevertheless, Auger-Aliassime, with his aggressive style, recorded 34 aces across the tournament, making him a formidable opponent. Although he experienced inconsistency during the Australian Open—where he exited early—he bounced back to demonstrate his prowess here.
Auger-Aliassime's impressive performance this season includes his recent victory at the Adelaide International, which marked his sixth title. His experience on the ATP circuit, including 52 career wins on indoor hard courts, presents him as the player to beat come Sunday.
The match is not only pivotal for the players' rankings and confidence but also for Kovacevic, who is vying for his first ATP title after entering the main draw through successful qualifying rounds. His triumph over Rublev, one of the top 10 players, was particularly significant, as he expressed the honor of competing against such elite talent.
While Auger-Aliassime remains the slight favorite with odds standing at -350, Kovacevic is not to be underestimated, especially after dispatching seeded players throughout the tournament. Their previous encounter at the Cincinnati Open saw Auger-Aliassime claim victory; nevertheless, the momentum is now on Kovacevic's side after his recent performance.
Sports analysts are eager to see how this final will play out. Kovacevic is known for his aggressive serve, contributing to 41 aces throughout the tournament, and he will need to leverage his serve effectively to counter Auger-Aliassime's offensive game.
Expectations are high for what could be one of the most exciting matches of the season, with tennis enthusiasts and bettors alike keeping close tabs on the odds. Fans can catch the action live on the Tennis Channel or Fubo, ensuring they don’t miss any of this thrilling competition.
The final at the Open Sud de France encapsulates not just the contest for the title but also the bright future both players represent in the world of tennis. Auger-Aliassime aims to continue his rise and capitalize on his favored position, whereas Kovacevic strives to prove he belongs among the sport's elite. With anticipation building, the stage is set for a riveting championship clash.