ATP Montpellier: Felix Auger-Aliassime edges Aleksandar Kovacevic, lifts trophy

World no. 23 Felix Auger-Aliassime claimed the ATP 250 title in Montpellier. The Canadian ousted the first-time ATP finalist Aleksandar Kovacevic 6-2, 6-7, 7-6 in two hours and 39 minutes for his seventh ATP trophy and the second of the season after Adelaide.

The American certified for the primary draw and defeated the highest seed, Andrey Rublev, within the semi-final. Thus, Kovacevic delivered his first victory over the opponents from the elite group and reached his first ATP closing.

Aleksandar gave all the pieces in opposition to the better-ranked rival. He overcame a gradual begin and prolonged the battle, incomes an opportunity to elevate a trophy. Felix denied an important break level within the eleventh recreation of the decider and claimed the tie break 7-2 to emerge on the prime.

Auger-Aliassime secured his sixth indoor laborious title, extending his implausible run on his favourite floor.

— ATP Tour (@atptour) February 2, 2025

Felix fired 19 aces and confronted the one break level within the closing service recreation of the match. He saved and stored the strain on the opposite aspect. Aleksandar suffered two breaks within the opening set and recovered his recreation within the following two to comply with the rival’s tempo.

The Canadian outplayed the American on serve and return within the first set, rattling off 5 video games from 1-2 for an ideal rating. The higher-ranked participant stepped in on the return at 2-2 and landed a backhand winner for a break and the benefit.

Aleksandar Kovacevic, Montpellier 2025© Stream screenshot

World no. 23 landed a forehand down the road winner within the seventh recreation for an additional break and a 5-2 lead. Auger-Aliassime held at 30 in recreation eight, bringing the opener dwelling in fashion. Kovacevic raised his degree within the second set and stayed in contact.

They produced 12 high quality holds and launched a tie break. Felix fired a forehand winner at 5-5 and earned a match level. Aleksandar saved it with a service winner and cracked a backhand down the road winner on the second at 6-7.

The American welcomed the rival’s forehand error on a set level, taking the breaker 9-7 and enhancing his probabilities. They survived deuces in three video games of the ultimate set to degree the rating at 4-4. Aleksandar served to remain within the match at 4-5 and held at love for extra drama.

Felix squandered recreation factors at 5-5 and confronted a break level. He denied it with a service winner and held for extra drama. Kovacevic produced a maintain at love in recreation 12 and launched a deciding tie break.

The Canadian secured two early mini-breaks for 3-0 after the rival’s backhand error. The lower-ranked participant pulled them again earlier than dropping two extra factors on serve, sending world no. 23 5-2 up. Auger-Aliassime landed two highly effective serves, sealing the deal on the primary match level and lifting a trophy.