Rublev wreaks revenge on Auger-Aliassime

Andrey Rublev has been crowned champion at the Open 13 Provence tournament, gaining revenge over Felix Auger-Aliassime by beating the Canadian 7-5 7-6 (7-4) in a hard-fought final in Marseille.

Auger-Aliassime defeated Rublev in Rotterdam last week on the way to securing his maiden ATP Tour title and again started brightly in Sunday's showdown.

But despite immediately breaking Rublev's serve, the 21-year-old Canadian was quickly pegged back when the Russian world No.7 responded to claim the first set after a tense 56-minute duel.

The pair then twice exchanged breaks in the following set, with Rublev failing to serve out for the match at 5-4 and having to save a set point at 5-6 down.

"I had to increase my level otherwise I would have had no chance against Felix," Rublev said afterwards.

"From 5-4, Felix started to play even better and I was thinking it would go to three sets. But somehow I was able to raise my level and, in the end, it was tough."

Yet Rublev stayed strong to eventually seal his ninth tour-level triumph after the second-set tiebreak and improve his record in finals on indoor hard courts to 5-0.

"All the battles I have had with Felix since the first time back in 2018 have had drama," Rublev said in his on-court interview.

"All have had at least one set that went 7-6 and now he is one of the greatest players. Especially this season, he is on top now.

"It was a pleasure to share a court with him and have an amazing final like this."