Rublev Stops Auger-Aliassime For Marseille Title

Felix Auger-Aliassime was looking to quickly add a second title following his breakout win last week in Rotterdam, but Andrey Rublev put a end to those hopes.

The big-hitting Russian rose up to the challenge and edged the Canadian 7-5, 7-6(4) to win his ninth career title, his first since Rotterdam last year when he upended Marton Fucsovics.

“All the battles I have had with Felix since the first time back in 2018 have had drama,” Rublev said on court. “All have had at least one set that went 7-6 and now he is one of the greatest players. Especially this season, he is on top now. It was a pleasure to share a court with him and have an amazing final like this.”

In this battle of the last two Rotterdam winners, it was Auger-Aliassime ahead from the start with a break. Rublev would come back and break for a second time at 5-all.

In the second, it was Rublev ahead, but at the first time of to close it out, the Russian came up short at 5-4, then saved a set point against him at 5-6. After three straight three setters en route to the final — including a 5-2 comeback in the final set in his opener against Richard Gasquet — a straight set win was a welcome relief.

“I had to increase my level otherwise I would have had no chance against Felix,” said Rublev who improves to 5-0 in indoor finals. “From 5-4 he started to play even better and I was thinking it would go to three sets. But somehow I was able to raise my level and in the end it was tough.”

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