Felix Auger-Aliassime was on the losing end of the Dubai Tennis Championships final after being beaten by Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Auger-Aliassime has made a positive start to 2025, having already won two titles before reaching the final in Dubai.
Ahead of their ATP 500 final, Tsitsipas was wary of Auger-Aliassime’s form having actually lost their last final that took place in Rotterdam in 2022.
However, with Auger-Aliassime playing a lot of tennis over the first couple of months of the season, Tsitsipas was able to get the better of his Canadian opponent on this occasion.
Felix Auger-Aliassime says what Stefanos Tsitsipas did differently with his backhand
Tsitsipas has been playing with a new racket in Dubai this week that has been blacked out so people cannot know what it is.
This appears to have given the Greek a new lease of confidence, with Tsitsipas winning his first ATP 500 title in Dubai.
When speaking in his post-final press conference, Auger-Aliassime pointed out Tsitsipas’ backhand return as something that was particularly impressive.
The 24-year-old also admitted that he was slightly below par on his own game in the Dubai Tennis Championships final.
“I have to give him some credit. He’s been returning better,” said Tsitsipas. “I’ve never seen him return like this from the backhand that deep, that fast. Have to give him some credit, for sure.
“But on my part, I thought it was going to be a little bit better than that.”
Felix Auger-Aliassime congratulates Stefanos Tsitsipas on social media
Tsitsipas has received lots of reaction for his first title win since April 2024, including from Novak Djokovic.
Despite the disappointment of his defeat, Auger-Aliassime also took to social media to congratulate Tsitsipas on his victory.
“Wasn’t meant to be for me in Dubai this evening – all the credit to Stef and his team for the amazing match he played,” Auger-Aliassime said on Instagram.
“I’m proud of all the battles I went through to get to the final and am feeling pumped to see what the rest of the season will hold. Thank you for all the love. Until next time.”
As a result of their respective week’s in Dubai, Tsitsipas will move back into the top 10, while Auger-Aliassime returns to the top 20.
Both players will now head to California for Indian Wells and the start of the sunshine double.
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