TENNIS: Third time lucky De Minaur dominates Auger-Aliassime to win Rotterdam Open

ROTTERDAM, Netherlands – Australia’s Alex de Minaur claimed his first indoor ATP title after defeating top seed Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-3, 6-2 at the Rotterdam Open on Sunday, ending the Canadian’s eight-match winning streak in just 78 minutes.

De Minaur, who had finished as runner-up in the last two editions of the tournament, finally lifted the trophy, marking his 11th ATP Tour title.

“Third time lucky. I’m super stoked, super happy… I was just a step short in the previous years, so it feels great to finally be able to lift the title,” said the world No. 8.

The Australian frustrated Auger-Aliassime with precise backhand winners near the baseline. A key break to go up 4-2 helped de Minaur secure the first set. In the second, the two-time U.S. Open semi-finalist, ranked sixth in the world, made 12 unforced errors, allowing de Minaur to break twice and finish the match with an ace.

“Felix, you’re a great opponent. I am sure we’ll play more finals together,” de Minaur said after beating Auger-Aliassime for the second time in five career meetings. -Reporting by Chiranjit Ojha in BengaluruEditing by Christian Radnedge/Reuters