ATP/WTA: Auger-Aliassime in seventh heaven

FAA doubles up in 2025

The 2025 calendar has only just turned onto the second page and already Felix Auger-Aliassime has a second title in the trophy cabinet.

The Canadian became a seven-time ATP Champion in Montpellier, France, on Sunday. Auger-Aliassime didn’t surrender a set en route to the final versus Arthur Cazaux, Bu Yunchaokete and Jesper De Jong.

The final, taking on qualifier Aleksandar Kovacevic was a wild ride, as the American saved two match points in the second set, before world No.23 Auger-Aliassime snatched away the telling points for a 6-2, 6-7(7), 7-6(2) scoreboard.

“For sure, the craziest final I have played, whether I won or lost,” said Auger-Aliassime, who began his season with the Adelaide International title last month. “It was a crazy match. I couldn’t have got a better start. I was feeling good, but credit to Aleks, he raised his level. I think it was a very high level on both ends, serving well. This match deserved to go three sets with the way he was playing in the second.”

Competing in his maiden tour-level final, Kovacevic thrilled the crowd with plenty of hot shot antics. The American defeated four seeds on his path, including a commanding 7-5, 6-4 dismissal of top seed Andrey Rublev. As a reward, Kovacevic will be up 27 positions to world No.75 on Monday.

On the march to Bologna

The two-round qualifying for the Davis Cup Finals launched across the world this weekend.

In total 13 teams moved one step closer to the 'world cup of tennis' finale in Bologna, Italy in late November.

Hungary clinched a 3-2 triumph over 2022 champions Canada when Marton Fucsovics eventually outmuscled Alexis Galarneau 7-6(8), 6-4.

Despite two stellar wins from Casper Ruud, Argentina pipped hosts Norway 3-2 in Oslo, courtesy of Mariano Navone prevailing past impressive young gun Nicolai Budkov Kjaer 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 in the decisive duel.

Davis Cup debutant Aleksandar Vukic and green and gold talisman Alex de Minaur boosted Australia past Sweden 3-1.

Holger Rune and Elmer Moeller were the comeback heroes in Copenhagen, overturning Serbia from 1-2 to win 3-2 on home soil.

Over in Japan, Kei Nishikori and Yoshihito Nishioka gained vital points to send Japan past Great Britain in Miki. The USA, France and Spain all remain in contention too.

Alexandrova finally tops Linz podium

It was a case of third time lucky for Ekaterina Alexandrova.

The No.4 seed had to settle for the runner-up spot in Austria in 2018 and 2024, but switched the script in an enthralling 6-2, 3-6, 7-5 victory over the net from Dayana Yastremska.

Alexandrova was a set and 3-0 ahead, before the Ukrainian forced a third set and a 3-0 lead for herself. Back came Alexandrova for her fifth career title.

"This tournament was always special for me - I really love playing here every time -- and now, finally, I can make it to the end at the third time," said world No.25 Alexandrova. "I'm super pleased and happy, and this place is going to be magical for me all the time."

Two years in the making for Mertens

Elise Mertens is still a force on the tennis circuit.

The former Top 15 singles star won her ninth tour-level title in Singapore on Sunday with a dominant 6-1, 6-4 display facing American Ann Li.

The recent Hobart finalist, moving on with a 10-2 record in 2025, is a WTA singles champion for the first time since October 2023.

"All credit to Li for coming back in the second set, but I really, really wanted to win today," said the Belgian.

"It became really tight in the end. It was a bit nerve-wracking. I had a good start, and I felt she was building up pretty well, so I’m very pleased that I could finish that."