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'Final redemption' as Tsitsipas wins Dubai Tennis title
The Greek star, who lost back-to-back Dubai finals in 2019 and 2020, outplayed Felix Auger-Aliassime of Canada 6-3 6-3 in the final on Saturday
- PUBLISHED: Sat 1 Mar 2025, 8:47 PM
Producing a sublime exhibition of shotmaking, Greek star Stefanos Tsitsipas overpowered Felix Auger-Aliassime of Canada for a straight-set 6-3 6-3 win in just 88 minutes to clinch the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on Saturday.
Tsitsipas, who lost back-to-back Dubai finals in 2019 and 2020, was unstoppable on the centre court as he completely outplayed his Canadian opponent in a one-sided final.
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After saving two break points in the seventh game of the first set, the world number 11 gained control with his strong serves, scorching forehands, picking holes in Auger-Aliassime’s game relentlessly.
The 24-year-old Canadian did try to put up a fight in the second set as he remained on serve until the seventh game before Tsitsipas broke him again.
Auger-Aliassime could not deal with his opponent’s intensity and showed the white flag as Tsitsipas improved their head-to-head record to 7-3.
For the 26-year-old Greek, who spends the pre-season in Dubai, the straight-set victory in the final over an opponent who is enjoying a great start to the season, winning 15 matches, could not have been sweeter.
Tsitsipas lost back-to-back finals here to two of the greatest players in history — Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.
Federer beat him in straight sets in 2019 for his 100th ATP career title, while Djokovic was too strong for him in the next year's final, winning the contest in two sets.
On Saturday, Tsitsipas seemed determined to put his best foot forward for the first ATP 500 title of his career.
"It feels good to walk away with the title here. I've had two finals that weren't easy to deal with. Especially when you come so close to a title, there are a lot of things that go through your mind. I dealt with those emotions. I dealt with those feelings very much early and well today," he said at the post-match press conference.
"Makes a whole difference since those other finals that I've played in the past, the way I performed in them, I'm extremely proud with the way I fought but also the way I conquered the court and dealt with those decisions at certain points that I had to come up with something good."
The two-time Grand Slam finalist will return to the top 10 when the ATP announces their new rankings on Monday.
But for Tsitsipas, the joy of lifting a trophy is sweeter than a return to the top 10 in the rankings.
"I've been in the top 10 before. It's not that it's not great being back in the top 10, but I feel like the focus right now is the final redemption of getting back and winning the Dubai tournament," the former world number three said.
"Especially when I failed twice. You don't want to be losing the final for the third time. That was definitely something that was more of a motive to go out there and win today. And I guess the top 10 comes with it, so it's a great addition."
Auger-Aliassime, meanwhile, rued a few missed opportunities in the game.
"There were a lot of good moments. I couldn't capitalise. I think it's a mix of me being even more clutch, not capitalising on those chances. Him, as well. Giving him credit, coming up with good serves, good forehands after the serve, things like that," the Canadian said.
"I felt like he was playing better than the last few months this week for sure. He's improved. He made some changes. It's been paying off for him."
Rituraj Borkakoty is Sports Editor and has spent more than two decades writing on his sporting heroes. He also loves an underdog story, so if you have one, share it with him. He would love to bring it to life.