Felix Auger-Aliassime into Rotterdam final as he ‘comes up clutch’ at key moments
Felix Auger-Aliassime is one win away from securing his maiden ATP Tour title after edging Pablo Carreno Busta in the semi-final of the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament.
The Canadian held off Carreno Busta with a 7-6 (7-2), 6-4 win in just under two hours to reach his fourth Tour-level final.
The hype is REAL 🤘@felixtennis beats Carreno Busta 7-6 6-4 to become the youngest finalist in Rotterdam history! #abnamrowtt pic.twitter.com/NTe1ZncS6f
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) February 15, 2020
After no breaks of serve in the first set, the 19-year-old dominated the tie-breaker and then claimed the only break of the match in the third game after a marathon Carreno Busta service game that lasted 17 points.
“In the second [set], things got interesting with that long [third] game,” Auger-Aliassime, who finished runner-up in his three previous finals, is quoted as saying by ATPTour.com. “I was thinking, ‘If this goes my way, it might be tough for him.’ So, I really pushed to get through.
“Obviously, you know the end is coming if you keep serving well and keep holding your serve… Things got a bit difficult, saving that break point after making some tight mistakes. It was not easy. I came up clutch again, so obviously I am happy with myself.”
He will face defending champion Gael Monfils in the final after the Frenchman beat Filip Krajinovic from Serbia 6-4, 7-6 (7-5).
9⃣ feels fine 👍
Defending champ @Gael_Monfils notches his 9th consecutive win at Rotterdam, reaching the final with a 6-4 7-6(5) triumph over Filip Krajinovic. #abnamrowtt pic.twitter.com/IegBgc4XFi
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) February 15, 2020
Fresh from winning the Open Sud de France, Monfils extended his winning streak to eight matches with a solid victory over Krajinovic.
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