Stefanos Tsitsipas won his first ATP 500 title by defeating Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-3, 6-3 in the final of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on Saturday evening.
It was not quite as routine as the scoreline suggested. Auger-Aliassime, who had already captured two titles in 2025 (Adelaide, Montpellier), generated break points in four different return games but could not convert on any occasion. The 21st-ranked Canadian was 0-for-7 overall on break points.
Tsitsipas broke serve three times to triumph in one hour and 28 minutes, winning the 12th ATP tournament of his career. The 11th-ranked Greek will be back in the top 10 (No. 9) for the first time since May of 2024 when the new rankings are confirmed on Monday.
“There is nothing that ensured the win today; it was just pure fighting,” Tsitsipas explained. “It’s a big relief that I’m able to hold that trophy after the third attempt. It’s something that I had in the back of my mind, and I’m happy to say I accomplished it. I had a great opponent on the other side of the net, I knew it was a difficult task. I’m just proud of the way I managed the pressure and was able to perform in those crucial moments.
“These are the things we are fighting for as professional tennis players,” the 26-year-old said of being back in the top 10. “To be owning a spot in the top 10 is definitely one of the greatest feelings a tennis player can experience. It comes with hard work and sacrifices, but I’m happy that I’m in a position where I can really celebrate.”
Both players now head to Indian Wells for the BNP Paribas Open, the first Masters 1000 tournament of the season. Neither one has ever reached the semifinals in the desert and both Tsitsipas and Auger-Aliassime have reached the quarters only once.
nice one, Tsitsi
Proud of Tsi….has been a tough couple of years….great win!