Felix Auger-Aliassime successfully defended his Swiss Indoors Basel title with a straight-sets win over Hubert Hurkacz in Sunday's final.
Despite starting the week with a gloomy looking 17-18 tour-level record on the season and a best result of making a semi-final in Doha back in February, Auger-Aliassime dominated behind his serve to secure a 7-6(3), 7-6(5) win over the Pole after one hour and 52 minutes.
The win marked the 23-year-old’s first title since he won the tournament last year and also made him the first Canadian to defend an ATP title since Milos Raonic in 2012.
‘’I’m definitely back. I let my racquet talk,’’ Auger-Aliassime said during his on-court interview.
‘’That's always been the motto of my career. I've had the conviction that I can be a top player since I'm a kid, but there were many doubts this year about my performances and why.
“I’m happy that I was able to prove to everybody that I still belong among the best players in the world, that I can play this level. I never doubted it, but it's good to confirm it on the court.
His successful week in Basel has resulted in Auger-Aliassime climbing from 53rd to 29th in the Pepperstone ATP Live Race To Turin and while it is certain he won’t qualify for the end of year event, it’s certainly a step in the right direction.
‘’A lot of tough times. It was a new challenge this year being away from the court, trying to manage, play tournaments through injuries with painkillers and things like this and still today actually,” Auger-Aliassime said.
“It's been a tricky year overall, but this feels extra special, even more than last year.
''I think with the first title [of the year] is the sweetest for sure. So I'm going to enjoy this one.’’
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