Auger-Aliassime beats Cilic, advances to Monte-Carlo Masters 3rd round against Ruud

Canadian tennis star Félix Auger-Aliassime opened his clay-court season Wednesday with a 7-6 (4), 6-3 win over Croatia's Marin Cilic in the second round of the Monte-Carlo Masters.

Auger-Aliassime, seeded sixth at the event, took control of the second set with a huge break to go up 3-1 when Cilic double-faulted on break point. Later, Auger-Aliassime saved a break point with an ace before holding to take a 5-2 lead.

He wrapped up the win after a brief rally on match point ended when Cilic hit long.

The 25-year-old from Montreal, who had a bye in the first round, improved his record this season to 16-6. He won his ninth career title in February at Montpelier, France.

Auger-Aliassime will next face ninth seed Casper Ruud of Norway on Thursday.

The Canadian holds a 4-3 career record against Ruud after defeating him in their last three meetings, all in 2024. That run included wins on clay at the Madrid Masters and Paris Olympics.