Felix Auger-Aliassime successfully defends Montpellier crown, setting a new Canadian title record. The 25-year-old defeated Adrian Mannarino 6-3, 7-6(4) on Sunday, securing his ninth tour-level title and eighth on indoor hard courts. Auger-Aliassime's victory marks a significant achievement, surpassing Milos Raonic's record for the most Tour titles won by a Canadian in the Open Era. With this win, Auger-Aliassime has now amassed 89 tour-level indoor victories this decade, the highest among all players. The Canadian tennis star's performance in Montpellier was impressive, as he dominated Mannarino, winning the first eight points in the first set and closing it out with a break in the ninth game. The second set was a closer affair, with Auger-Aliassime securing the championship point at 5-4, 30/40. Mannarino saved it with a powerful serve, but Auger-Aliassime's consistency prevailed in the tie-break, ultimately winning the match in straight sets. Auger-Aliassime's serve was a key factor in his success, as he won 87% of points behind his first serves, including 13 aces. Following his Montpellier triumph, Auger-Aliassime will head to the ABN AMRO Open in Rotterdam, confident after his comeback from an early exit at the Australian Open due to cramp. Before his next match, he will rise two spots to No. 6 in the PIF ATP Rankings, solidifying his position as one of the top players in the world.
