In a gripping showdown at the 2025 Dubai Tennis Championships, Canada’s own Felix Auger-Aliassime faced off against Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas, but ultimately fell short with a score of 6-3, 6-3, missing out on his chance for a third ATP Tour title.
The Montreal star started strong, holding a lead of 3-2 in the first set. However, a pivotal moment arrived in the seventh game when Tsitsipas ignited his attack, winning five consecutive points from 40/0 to break Auger-Aliassime’s serve and seize control of the set.
As the second set unfolded, Auger-Aliassime showcased resilience by saving two break points during the third game. Yet, he was unable to capitalize on the three break opportunities he earned. After leveling the score at 3-3, he lost the next three games, handing the match to Tsitsipas.
“It wasn’t my night, but congratulations to Stefanos and his team; they played exceptionally well,” Auger-Aliassime expressed in a heartfelt post-match interview. “This is a significant tournament, and both of us showcased our skills. I’ve known Stefanos for a long time, and tonight he truly raised his game.”
Determined to improve, he added, “I’ll push myself to get better and look forward to more opportunities to compete in finals.”
The 24-year-old Auger-Aliassime, currently ranked No. 21 in the world, recorded four aces alongside two double faults, winning a commendable 71 percent of his first-serve points. Unfortunately, he struggled to convert on all seven break-point opportunities.
In contrast, the 26-year-old Tsitsipas, ranked No. 11 globally, delivered four aces with four double faults and claimed 83 percent of his first-serve points, successfully converting 3 out of 6 break points.
Before this final, Auger-Aliassime and Tsitsipas had clashed nine times, with Tsitsipas leading their head-to-head record at 6-3.
Tsitsipas had secured victory in their last encounter, held in the second round of the 2023 Paris Masters.
Rewinding to earlier, Auger-Aliassime had triumphed over Tsitsipas to clinch his very first ATP Tour singles title at the 2022 Rotterdam Open, winning in straight sets.
Auger-Aliassime came into Saturday’s match as the ATP Tour’s leader in wins for the season (16), having already celebrated titles in Adelaide and Montpellier.
