Felix Auger-Aliassime was well beaten yesterday in the Rotterdam Open final, put to the sword by a relentless Alex de Minaur.
Playing and beating the energetic Australian on any given day represents a gruelling task, but to do it whilst nursing a physical ailment, as Auger-Aliassime was, is near-impossible.
He fought hard, but was powerless, at times unable to run for balls put anywhere near the corner of the court.
Alas, he did not let his struggles to detract from Alex de Minaur’s moment, and spoke glowingly about his opponent in the aftermath of this final.
Felix Auger-Aliassime rates Alex de Minaur’s level
Speaking with Bolavip, Auger-Aliassime began by praising the new title-holder: “Big credit to Alex, he is a very tough competitor. With my level today, it was simply not enough to beat him. I was aware of the challenge, but he was just too good today. There is a reason why he was the No. 1 seed. He is super consistent, and you have to play at your best to beat him.”
The Canadian then offered a fitness update, adding: “No, no, there is no reason to be worried, it is not an injury. I was just feeling some tightness in my left leg, but I am definitely not worried about it. I have just played a lot of matches in a row now, but it is nothing to be worried about.”
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He concluded by listing his goals for the coming season, after getting his form back on track following a shock early exit at the Australian Open.
Auger-Aliassime admitted: “First of all, my goal for this season is to be back in Turin. That would be great, and that is my main goal for the season. If you qualify for Turin, that shows that you have been super consistent throughout the season.”
“In terms of tournaments, I haven’t won a Masters 1000 or a Grand Slam yet, so I am really chasing these titles now. That is what I am trying to do, and I will do everything I can to achieve it soon. I have improved a lot in the last few years, and I am serving much better now. I used to have a lot of ups and downs and be a bit more inconsistent.”
De Minaur sent a heartfelt message to Auger-Aliassime in his champion’s speech, clearly aware that his opponent was hampered.
How has the Rotterdam Open final changed Alex de Minaur and Felix Auger-Aliassime’s rankings?
While getting to a final is always an impressive feat, and usually guarantees a hefty injection of ranking points, the Rotterdam Open has actually had a unique impact on these two players.
After all, not only did they fight for the title yesterday, but the fact that they are so close in the rankings and shared differing results based on the year prior meant it would not take much to tip the scales.
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As such, De Minaur has gained 500 ranking points, a boost from the 330 he gained last year from losing in the final.
And while Auger-Aliassime was also gifted 280 net ranking points, he has dropped a place in the world rankings, ironically, overtaken by his opponent in the final.
Therefore, De Minaur has returned to his career-high ranking of sixth.
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