Djere Spoils Auger-Aliassime Title Bid In Rio Final

by Staff | February 24th, 2019, 5:55 pm
  • 8 Comments

A first ATP title was on the line at the upset-riddled ATP 500 stop in Rio on Sunday. In the end, the crown went to Serbian Laslo Djere who stopped the run of 18-year-old Canadian phenom Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-3, 7-5.

Neither player had ever been to an ATP final before Sunday, but after a week filled with upsets the two players who knocked out both top two seeds (Dominic Thiem and Fabio Fognini) were left standing.

The 19th-ranked Djere is projected to rise to No. 37 in the new rankings.


“It’s been the week of my dreams,” he said. “So many things have been achieved here. I’m really happy, excited and emotional now. I’m happy I could push through this match because it was very tough mentally and physically.”

Auger-Aliassime was trying to become the youngster ATP champion since 18-year-old Kei Nishikori won 2008 Delray Beach. He still is the youngest to make a ATP 500 final since the level was established in 2009.

The young Montreal native was broken six times in the match including three straight to open the match.

Djere dedicated the win to his parents who have both passed away.


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8 Comments for Djere Spoils Auger-Aliassime Title Bid In Rio Final

Daniel Says:

Lost my father to cancer after a 5 year fight this last January also, broke down in tears watching his speech today.;-( But felt good for him thanking than.
My father taught me to play tennis at age 7 and I couldn’t stop playing ever since.


Willow Says:

Daniel im not posting on TX anymore, but i just wanted to say how sorry i am for your sad loss, i know how it feels, as ive been in the same situation, it wont seem like it at the moment, and it might sound easy for me to say, but even though the hurt never completely goes, it does get easier with time, love, hugs and blessings at this sad time , yours Alison Hodge XX ….


j-kath Says:

Daniel: Take great care of yourself. Thinking of you.


Daniel Says:

Thanks Alison and J-Kath,

Terrible decease, you start grieving prior to it. Getting atatched to a small hope, even though there is nothing you can do. And the physicasl decline is awful to witnees. But my father never complained nor got angry at the world. Dignity even when passing.


Van Persie Says:

Daniel,

I never know what to say, when I get this kind of news, but from a similar experience witb my mother 2 yers ago, I can say, like Willow, it will get easier in 1-2 years. I used to have nightmares for a while. Stay strong!

I see your guy won now, unfortunately… :(


Van Persie Says:

Never watched Djere play, but there is a new name in ATP top 50, so I will watch him for sure. Congrats!


Daniel Says:

Thanks VP,

Indeed, I’ve been dreaming with him a lot these last 45 days, not nightmares.


Van Persie Says:

I used to have good and bad dreams. The bad ones were about me desperately trying to change things, as I could not really accept the idea, as it was unexpected. It was a different situation in her case but won’t elaborate it here.

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