Canada's Felix Auger-Aliassime has advanced to the final of the Adelaide International after defeating top-seeded American Tommy Paul in the semi-finals. The fifth-seeded Auger-Aliassime won in a grueling three-set battle, 7-6 (3), 3-6, 6-4, that lasted two hours and 45 minutes.
Auger-Aliassime won 74 per cent of his first-serve points to Paul's 69 per cent and earned his second career win over the 12th-ranked American, having also beaten him at Indian Wells in 2023.
"It was a battle. It was about physical effort, mental effort, because it was a match with lots of ups and downs," said Auger-Aliassime.
"I feel like it was not the best level from both players but sometimes matches are like this. You have to battle with what you have and find a way through, and I'm really happy I did today."
Auger-Aliassime will face No. 2 seed Sebastian Korda of the U.S. in Saturday's final.
Auger-Aliassime, ranked 29th in the world, is aiming for his sixth career title on the ATP Tour and his first since 2023.
The Adelaide tournament is a warm-up for the Australian Open, which begins this weekend. Auger-Aliassime is set to face Germany's Jan-Lennard Struff in the first round of the Grand Slam event.
7 Comments
Raphael
๐ Another win over Paul! Felix is on fire! Can't wait to see him face Korda in the final.
Leonardo
๐พ So proud of Felix! He's overcome so much adversity to reach this point. Keep shining!
Michelangelo
๐ Felix is proving himself to be one of the best in the world.
Donatello
๐พ Felix is a joy to watch! His เคเฅเคฒ is so beautiful and exciting.
Raphael
๐ช So pumped for Felix! He's playing with so much confidence and power. Can't wait to see him dominate!
Habibi
๐ช What a champion! Great win, Felix! You're an inspiration to young players everywhere.
Africa
๐ด Another one-trick pony. All power, no finesse.