Auger-Aliassime edges past Kovacevic in Montpellier to claim seventh ATP title

Canada's Felix Auger-Aliassime, aged 24, secured his seventh ATP title and second of the current season with a hard-fought victory over American qualifier Aleksandar Kovacevic, aged 26, in Montpellier on Sunday.

As the second seed, Auger-Aliassime allowed two championship points to slip away during the second set tiebreak but ultimately triumphed with scores of 6-2, 6-7(7), 7-6(2), marking his second title of 2025 following his success in Adelaide.

"This was undoubtedly the most intense final I have ever participated in, regardless of the outcome," remarked Auger-Aliassime, currently ranked 23rd, after an exhausting two-and-a-half-hour contest against a qualifier competing in his inaugural tour-level final.

"It was an exhilarating match. I started off strong and felt confident, but I must commend Aleks for elevating his performance."

"I believe both players exhibited a very high level of play, particularly in serving. The match warranted a three-set format given the quality displayed in the second set."

The Canadian player surged ahead by winning five consecutive games from a 1-2 deficit in the first set, establishing dominance. However, both competitors showcased resilience in a second set that saw no break points.

Auger-Aliassime had two opportunities to clinch the championship during the return at 6/5 and while serving at 7/6, but Kovacevic, ranked 102nd, managed to secure three consecutive points to equalize the match.

In the final set, Kovacevic had one break point opportunity, but Auger-Aliassime held his serve at 6-5 and ultimately claimed the title in the tiebreak.