Stefanos Tsitsipas and Felix Auger-Aliassime are set to square off in the final of the Dubai Duty Free Championships on Saturday, March 1, 2025. This eagerly anticipated matchup features two players at different points in their careers, with Tsitsipas boasting the upper hand historically between the two.
Tsitsipas, currently ranked No. 11, has enjoyed tremendous success throughout this tournament, solidifying his place with impressive performances and seamless play. His quarterfinal and semifinal matches saw him dispatch opponents with ease, including securing a 6-4, 6-4 victory over Tallon Griekspoor. Displaying exceptional skills on serve, Tsitsipas did not face any break points during the match and maintained high levels of focus. "I feel extremely happy I was able to avoid the drama today, and play good tennis from the beginning until the end," said Tsitsipas post-match.
On the other side, Auger-Aliassime faced more hurdles to reach the final, with his semifinal match proving to be challenging. After losing the first set to Frenchman Quentin Halys, Auger-Aliassime rallied back to win 5-7, 6-4, 6-3, displaying resilience and grit. "I do not know how I pulled it through today," he admitted. "My attitude was just to have positive thoughts especially when you are having a tough day like today." His ability to win against tough conditions showcases his growth as he aims for his third title of the season.
Historically, Tsitsipas leads their head-to-head matchup 6-3, having won six of their last seven meetings, including the most recent encounters on outdoor hard courts. While Auger-Aliassime had success early on—claiming their first two matchups—Tsitsipas’ recent dominance paints him as the favorite heading to this final. The Canadian’s last win over Tsitsipas on outdoor hard courts dates back to their first meeting at the Indian Wells Masters in 2019, proving how the dynamic of their rivalry has shifted over time.
Both players have had strong starts to the year, with Auger-Aliassime standing out as the ATP leader for match victories, having already secured titles earlier this season in Adelaide and Montpellier. Reaching three finals this year for the first time since 2022, Auger-Aliassime continues to build on his confidence. "It’s never easy, but I feel more and more confident I have the solutions to come through matches like this," he expressed after his semifinal win.
The significance of the match goes beyond just personal accolades; if Tsitsipas wins, he will earn his first ATP 500 title, having historically struggled to capitalize on opportunities at this level. Tsitsipas is currently 0-11 lifetime in ATP 500 finals, creating added motivation for the Greek player. Auger-Aliassime, meanwhile, is determined to add to his title haul and strengthen his position among the ATP elite.
With the championship on the line, all eyes will be on the blue hard court of the Dubai Championships, as each player looks to seize the moment and add another prestigious title to their resumes. The final promises to be a thrilling contest and is scheduled for Saturday at 10 AM ET on TSN. Both players are primed for the challenge, and fans can expect nothing less than high-caliber tennis as Tsitsipas and Auger-Aliassime battle for the title.