Félix Auger-Aliassime is back in form.
Despite entering the week with a tour-level record of 17-18 this season, the Canadian defeated Hubert Hurkas 7-6 (3), 7-6 (5) on the ATP 500 on Sunday. , successfully defended the Swiss Indoor Basel title. Last.
Auger-Aliassime has only reached the semifinals once in 2023, and that was in Doha in February. But the 23-year-old, who has struggled with injuries, grew in confidence after an impressive week in Switzerland, losing only one set en route to the trophy. Auger-Aliassime lost the first eight ATP Tour finals of his career, but has won five of his past six championship matches.
“I definitely came back. I let my racket do the talking. That has always been my career motto. “Ever since I was a kid I was confident that I could be a top player, but this year I let my racket do the talking. There were a lot of questions about the performance and why,” Auger-Aliassime said in an on-court interview. “I’m happy to prove to everyone that I’m still one of the best players in the world and can play at this level. I never doubted that, but it’s good to confirm it on the court. is”
FAA is amazing again🙌@felixtennis In Basel, he defeated Furkas 7-6(3), 7-6(5) to defend his title!#SwissIndoorsBasel pic.twitter.com/6dJwifYiaL
— ATP Tour (@atptour) October 29, 2023
His win also ended Furkas’ hopes of qualifying for the Nitto ATP Finals. Had the Polish star won the title, he would have closed within 15 points of eighth-placed Holger Ruhn to secure the final qualifying spot at the Pepperstone ATP Live Race to Turin. Instead, he will enter the Rolex Paris Masters with a 215-point lead over the Dane.
The match went into two tie-breaks, but Auger-Aliassime appeared to be in control for most of the match. The Canadian was dominant behind serve, losing just nine service points through both sets. Auger-Aliassime hit a big backhand return, but Hurkas couldn’t handle it, ending the first set and maintaining his resolve to the end.
From the beginning of the second set, Hurkas appeared to be dealing with an injury to his left leg that limited his movement and often winced, but he did not call his physical therapist because of it. The 26-year-old fought valiantly to save all five break points he faced, including four breaks in the second set, and managed a mini-break in the second set tiebreak.
However, there is no denying that Auger-Aliassime will win his first title of the season. The 23-year-old closed out the match with a big backhand return, just like he did in the first set.
“I’m happy for your victory. Of course I wish the result had been different, but definitely you deserved it,” said Harkas at the trophy ceremony. “It’s definitely been a tricky season for you, but you’re a great player. You proved it here.”
Auger-Aliassime started Week 53 of the Pepperstone ATP Live Race to Turin and rose to 29th place as he won the title. Although he didn’t qualify for his ATP Finals, it was a big step in the right direction for the 2022 Turin contender. The big smile on his face after shaking Harkash’s hand showed just how meaningful this moment was.
“There have been a lot of tough times. This year has been a new challenge, being off the court, taking painkillers, working through injuries to compete in tournaments, but the reality is it’s still going on. ” said Auger-Aliassime. “It’s been a difficult year overall, but this year feels even more special than last. [of the year] It’s definitely the sweetest. So I’m going to have fun this time too. ”
Did you know that?
Auger-Aliassime becomes the first Canadian to defend an ATP Tour title since Milos Raonic won the title in San Jose in 2011 and 2012.
