Félix Auger-Aliassime triumphs in Adelaide

Félix Auger-Aliassime had skipped certain tournaments at the end of the season to improve. To start the 2025 season with rhythm and energy. On Saturday, at the 250 tournament in Adelaide, this strategy paid off.

When he announced his intention not to participate in the Davis Cup final last fall, Auger-Aliassime justified his intentions by The Press stating that “looking at the calendar, [s]has position in the ranking and looking [s]priorities, the choice became quite logical.” In the past, he had already screwed up and compromised his start to the season because he played too much and wore out his body in the final weeks of the season.

A few months later, the Quebecer got the better of Sebastian Korda, 22^e world player, in three sets of 6-3, 3-6 and 6-1 to win the first tournament in which he participated this year.

This is a sixth career title for the 24-year-old Quebecer, the first in a tournament played away. Auger-Aliassime also ended a drought of just over 14 months, since he defeated the Pole Hubert Hurkacz in the final in Basel on October 29, 2023.

“It’s a very good feeling,” breathed the champion, from the Oceanian continent.

Even if the first round was to his advantage, Auger-Aliassime did not necessarily start this confrontation like a lion. On serve, only half of his first balls crossed the net. When they were in play, however, on the 29th^e world player won 71% of the points.

The second set was Korda’s affair, even if Auger-Aliassime defended well in return of service. But his service difficulties continued.

In the final round, the Quebecer found his bearings. And when FAA service goes, everything goes. With 82% efficiency on his first serves, 93% of his points won on the first serve and a success rate of 100% on the second serve.

“First week of the year, first outdoor title. Obviously, I have played well in the past on clay, grass and all surfaces. »

With this triumph, Auger-Aliassime will jump six places in the ATP rankings and move to 23^e position.

His performances in recent days will undoubtedly allow him to arrive with confidence at the Australian Open, which in his case will begin early Monday morning, Quebec time.

“Good for confidence”

The Quebecer defeated fourth world player Taylor Fritz at the United Cup a few days before the new year. In Adelaide, Auger-Aliassime took the measure of the first two seeds of the competition. On Friday, he beat the American Tommy Paul, 12^e world player and tournament favorite, in three sets, before doing it again against Korda, second seed. In fact, FAA is 8-0 against Americans since the start of 2024, according to ATP statistics.

On his way to the final, Auger-Aliassime also defeated Frenchman Arthur Cazaux and Marcos Giron, another player from the United States.

“All titles are good for confidence! It’s the daily workouts, how I take care of my body, how I try to manage my days. I believe in my means and I believe in my team so that we can continue our momentum at the Australian Open,” he underlined.

“The most important thing is to thank my team, my group, my father. Thanks for everything. Thanks also to my family at home, to my fiancée and her family. It’s the best support you can have as a player. I love working with you all every day. Let’s make sure you have a great year. »

Auger-Aliassime will face Jan-Lennard Struff, 42, in the first round of the Australian Open^e world racket and bane of Canadian players. Auger-Aliassime and Struff shared the four duels in which they faced each other in their careers.

“It’s a quick turnaround, but confidence is high,” confirmed the Quebecer. I know my abilities, I know what I can do. But let’s take things one day at a time. »