Felix Auger-Aliassime has once again demonstrated why he is among the elite in tennis, as he successfully defended his title at the Montpellier tournament, marking a historic moment for Canadian tennis. In a compelling final, Auger-Aliassime, the top seed, defeated Adrian Mannarino with a score of 6-3, 7-6(4), on February 8, 2026. This victory not only secured his ninth career title but also set a record for the most titles won by any Canadian male player in the Open Era, surpassing the previous record he shared with former world No. 3, Milos Raonic.
The atmosphere was electric as Auger-Aliassime, 25, showcased his powerful game and impressive form. Throughout the tournament, he dropped serve only once, underscoring his dominance on serve. As the match progressed, he staged a thrilling comeback, winning the last five points of the contest which ultimately secured his victory. His performance in Montpellier has now catapulted him to sixth in the ATP rankings.
Reflecting on his achievement, Auger-Aliassime expressed gratitude towards his supporters, stating, “We’re an individual sport, but there’s a lot of people behind me both here and at home. I always feel the support from the crowd in France, and it’s a pleasure for me.” His appreciation for the local Parisian fans was palpable, and it contributed to his strong performance throughout the week.
This tournament not only reaffirmed Auger-Aliassime’s prowess on indoor courts, where he leads all ATP players in wins this decade but also showcased his resilience following a challenging start to the season. He had to retire early from the Australian Open due to cramping, but his bounce-back in Montpellier has illustrated his tenacity and skill.
Auger-Aliassime’s journey to the title included victories over three French players: sixth seed Arthur Fils, qualifier Titouan Droguet, and Mannarino. He became only the second player to defend the Montpellier title successfully, joining the ranks of Richard Gasquet, who did so in consecutive years from 2015 to 2016.
In the final, Auger-Aliassime delivered a remarkable serving performance, winning 78% of his service points, firing 13 aces while committing just one double fault, and crucially, he did not face any break points in the match. His strong start included eight consecutive points at one point, and his ability to dominate from the center of the court with powerful forehands and solid backhands was evident throughout the contest.
This victory not only reinforces Auger-Aliassime’s status as one of Canada’s tennis greats but also sets a promising tone for the rest of the season as he aims to build on this success in the coming tournaments. As he continues to evolve and refine his game, fans eagerly anticipate what the future holds for this talented athlete.
