Felix Auger-Aliassime Wins Montpellier Tennis Title Again

Felix Auger-Aliassime has won the Open Occitanie tennis tournament in Montpellier. This is his second win in a row. He beat Adrian Mannarino in the final match.
By Newsroom | Tennis, France |

Felix Auger-Aliassime has once again claimed the Open Occitanie championship in Montpellier, defeating Adrian Mannarino in a hard-fought final. This victory marks Auger-Aliassime's ninth career ATP title and his second consecutive win at this event. The Canadian, ranked world No. 8, displayed a potent baseline game that proved too much for the 37-year-old French veteran, world No. 70 Mannarino. While the first set saw Auger-Aliassime establish dominance, the second set became a tighter affair, with Mannarino’s defensive skills and tactical variety forcing a tie-break. Auger-Aliassime ultimately prevailed, securing the trophy in what was described as a high-stakes match.

Timeline of Key Matches

Auger-Aliassime's path to the title included several notable matches leading up to the final against Mannarino. His tournament play began at least two days prior to the final, as indicated by reports of his progression to the quarter-finals and subsequent matches.

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Auger-Aliassime raises trophy after defending Open Occitanie title - 1

  • Early Rounds: Auger-Aliassime demonstrated strong form early on. In one instance, he defeated Stan Wawrinka 6-4, 7-6(3) in a second-round match, showcasing a controlled performance. He also progressed by defeating Arthur Fils, the sixth seed, in a match where Auger-Aliassime showed no lingering effects from a previous injury at the Australian Open.

  • Semifinal: Auger-Aliassime reached the final by defeating Titouan Droguet in the semifinals with a score of 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-1. This match saw him fire 20 aces and maintain a clean service record without double faults in this particular contest.

  • Final vs. Mannarino: The championship match concluded with Auger-Aliassime winning 6-3, 7-6 [4] against Adrian Mannarino. Despite Mannarino's efforts to disrupt Auger-Aliassime's rhythm, the latter's powerful groundstrokes were a deciding factor.

Evidence of Performance

Multiple reports detail Auger-Aliassime's statistical performance throughout the tournament and in the final match.

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  • Serving Prowess: Auger-Aliassime was noted for his strong serving, at times not conceding a single break point. In his semifinal win against Droguet, he reportedly fired 20 aces. Against Wawrinka, he held serve effectively.

  • Return Game Effectiveness: The Canadian’s return game was also highlighted as a key strength. In a match prior to the final, he applied significant pressure on his opponent’s serve, creating ten break points and converting on seven.

  • Match Statistics: While a full breakdown is not universally provided, specific points won on first and second serves, and break point conversions are mentioned, indicating Auger-Aliassime's efficiency. For example, in one match, he won 78 percent of his first-serve points.

  • Handling Pressure: Auger-Aliassime demonstrated resilience, particularly in matches that went to tie-breaks. He successfully navigated challenging situations, including saving break points and converting crucial opportunities.

Context of the Title Defense

This Open Occitanie victory holds particular significance for Auger-Aliassime, representing a successful defense of his 2025 title and furthering his standing in Canadian tennis history.

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Auger-Aliassime raises trophy after defending Open Occitanie title - 2

  • Consecutive Titles: Securing the Open Occitanie trophy for the second year in a row signifies a period of sustained dominance for Auger-Aliassime at this specific ATP 250 event. His previous victory in 2025 was also described as a hard-fought match.

  • Canadian Record: The report from Tennis Canada suggests that by defending his trophy, Auger-Aliassime has an opportunity to break the Canadian record for tour-level singles titles. This adds a layer of historical weight to his recent achievements.

  • Tournament Significance: The Open Occitanie, held in Montpellier, is an ATP 250 event. Such tournaments provide a platform for players to earn ranking points and build momentum throughout the season.

Opponent's Strategy and Performance

Adrian Mannarino, the French wildcard and local favorite, presented a different challenge for Auger-Aliassime in the final. His game is characterized by tactical variety and strong defensive capabilities.

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  • Defensive Grit: Mannarino's "defensive grit" was noted as a factor that frustrated Auger-Aliassime in the second set of the final. His ability to prolong rallies and force errors contributed to a more competitive second set.

  • Tactical Variety: Mannarino’s "low-skidding variety" and tactical approach were employed in an attempt to disrupt Auger-Aliassime's powerful baseline game. This strategy was particularly evident in the second set, where he managed to save a match point and force a tie-break.

  • Fan Support: As a local favorite, Mannarino benefited from the "passionate French support" in the Sud de France Arena, which can often provide a psychological boost during matches.

Expert and Player Perspectives

Statements from players and analysts offer insights into the matches and Auger-Aliassime's performance.

  • Auger-Aliassime's View: Following his victory, Auger-Aliassime is reported to have praised his opponent, acknowledging the quality of the match. He expressed satisfaction with his performance and the opportunity to compete.

  • Mannarino's Effort: Despite the loss, Mannarino's effort in pushing Auger-Aliassime to a tie-break in the second set highlights his competitive spirit and tactical acumen, especially at his age.

  • Commentary on Auger-Aliassime's Game: Observers noted Auger-Aliassime's "clinical form" and "power from the baseline" as overwhelming factors. His ability to maintain high performance levels, even after potential previous issues like the retirement at the Australian Open, underscores his current tenacity.

Conclusion

Felix Auger-Aliassime's victory at the Open Occitanie represents a significant achievement, solidifying his position as a top player and demonstrating his capacity for title defense. The tournament showcased his powerful game, resilience under pressure, and effectiveness on serve and return. His success in Montpellier not only adds to his career accolades but also potentially sets a new benchmark for Canadian tennis. Adrian Mannarino, while ultimately defeated, proved a challenging opponent in the final, employing a tactical game that pushed Auger-Aliassime to his limits. The tournament's progression also suggests Auger-Aliassime is on a strong trajectory, potentially aiming for further records and titles in his career.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who won the Open Occitanie tennis title?
Felix Auger-Aliassime won the title. This is his second win in a row.
Q: Who did he play against in the final?
He played against Adrian Mannarino in the final match.
Q: How many times has Auger-Aliassime won this title?
He has won this title two times in a row.
Q: Where was the tournament held?
The tournament was held in Montpellier, France.