Felix Auger-Aliassime is one step closer to securing a spot at the ATP Finals as he makes his way to the final of the European Open in Brussels. The Canadian tennis sensation achieved this milestone by overcoming local favorite Raphael Collignon, winning decisively with a scoreline of 7-6(2), 6-4. This victory not only marked Auger-Aliassime’s 40th win of the 2023 season but also set the stage for a potentially pivotal match in the race for Turin.
Currently ranked ninth in the ATP Race to Turin, the 25-year-old faces a critical challenge as he trails Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti, who occupies the eighth spot, by 415 points. A win in the final on Sunday would significantly narrow that gap, especially since Musetti’s earlier exit in the quarter-finals leaves an opening for Auger-Aliassime to capitalize on.
Reflecting on his semi-final performance, Auger-Aliassime praised Collignon, saying, “I had a great opponent in front of me and he was inspired by playing at home. I knew it could be the toughest challenge of the week so far.” His experience from last year, where he clinched the ATP 250 title in Brussels, seems to serve him well as he aims to replicate that success.
In the other semi-final, Jiri Lehecka advanced to the title match for the second consecutive year after a nail-biting encounter against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. The Czech player triumphed in two tight sets, both ending in tiebreaks, with a score of 7-6(3), 7-6(7). Lehecka acknowledged the difficulty of facing a player with a powerful serve like Perricard, emphasizing the need for intense focus on each point to capitalize on any opportunities.
At just 23 years old, Lehecka is vying for his third career title, contrasting with his Canadian opponent who aims to secure his eighth. As both players gear up for their final showdown, fans can expect an intense battle that could have significant implications for the ATP rankings and the upcoming ATP Finals in Turin.
