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Felix Auger-Aliassime’s aim of winning consecutive titles on the Tour was dashed by Andrey Rublev who squeezed past him to claim the Marseille crown for his ninth career title.
I had to increase my level otherwise I would have had no chance against Felix, Andrey Rublev
The Canadian was on a high having broken his duck in career terms at Rotterdam to make the Open 13 Provence title round on the French Med coast, but just couldn’t swing the final result his way, losing out 7-5 7-6(4) to the Russian.
“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.”
The pair had previously met in the semi-finals of Rotterdam where the Canadian had triumphed over three sets, and he looked to have got the measure of the Russian when he got the better start with a break, but the big-hitting Rublev struck back to level and then broke again to lead 6-5 and hold for the set.
In the second set, Rublev failed to serve out for the match at 5-4 and saved a set point in his next service game to force a tiebreak which he won to clinch the match after one hour and 57-minutes.
“From 5-4 he started to play even better and I was thinking it would go to three sets,” Rublev said. “But somehow I was able to raise my level and in the end it was tough.
“I had to increase my level otherwise I would have had no chance against Felix,” said Rublev who has yet to lose an indoor final in five title appearances.
Disappointment for the Canadian who has now lost nine finals during his young career, but still remains confident.
“I’ve had two good weeks,” said the Canadian. “I hope to win more titles.”