Felix Auger-Aliassime defeated Hubert Hurkacz in straight sets to successfully defend his Swiss Indoors Basel title on Sunday. After an hour and fifty-two minutes, Auger-Aliassime defeated Hurkacz 7-6(3), 7-6(5), despite beginning the week with a dismal-looking 17–18 tour-level record for the season.

The 23-year-old became the first Canadian to defend an ATP title since Milos Raonic in 2012 with the victory, which also marked his first title since he won the event the previous year.

Auger-Aliassime said during his on-court interview: “I’m definitely back. I let my racquet talk. That’s always been the motto of my career. I’ve had the conviction that I can be a top player since I was a kid, but there were many doubts this year about my performance and why. I’m happy that I was able to prove to everybody that I still belong among the best players in the world, and that I can play at this level. I never doubted it, but it’s good to confirm it on the court. A lot of tough times”

He added: “It was a new challenge this year being away from the court, trying to manage, and play tournaments through injuries with painkillers and things like this, and still today actually. It’s been a tricky year overall, but this feels extra special, even more than last year. I think the first title of the year is the sweetest for sure. So I’m going to enjoy this one.”

Felix Auger-Aliassime in 2023

Currently the world no.19, Auger-Aliassime played his last match on the 29^th of October when he beat world no.11 Hubert Hurkacz 7-6(3) 7-6(5) in the final in Basel to win his 5^th career title.

At present, during this year Auger-Aliassime has an overall 22-18 record. This year, Auger-Aliassime conquered 1 title in Basel.

He is also scheduled to play in Metz (Moselle Open). The main draw will start on the 5th of November.