Quick Read
- Felix Auger-Aliassime lost to Alex de Minaur in the ABN AMRO Open final in Rotterdam on February 15, 2026.
- Alex de Minaur secured the title with a decisive performance, including a notable backhand winner.
- Auger-Aliassime had a strong tournament run, defeating Alexander Bublik in the semi-finals.
- The Rotterdam final was a highly anticipated match between two top ATP talents.
ROTTERDAM (Azat TV) – Canadian tennis star Felix Auger-Aliassime’s quest for the ABN AMRO Open title in Rotterdam ended on Sunday, February 15, 2026, as he was defeated by Australia’s Alex de Minaur in a hard-fought final. De Minaur clinched the championship with a commanding performance, notably executing a stunning backhand winner that sealed his victory against the former champion.
The highly anticipated clash brought together two of the ATP Tour’s dynamic talents, with tennis analysts, including those at LastWordOnSports, predicting a competitive encounter ahead of the final. De Minaur’s triumph marked a significant moment in his season, while Auger-Aliassime, despite the loss, showcased formidable form throughout the tournament.
Auger-Aliassime’s Strong Path to the Rotterdam Final
Felix Auger-Aliassime demonstrated exceptional skill and resilience on his journey to the Rotterdam final. His campaign was highlighted by a dominant performance in the semi-finals, where he decisively overcame Alexander Bublik. This victory underscored Auger-Aliassime’s strong start to the 2026 season and his comfort on the indoor hard courts of Rotterdam, a venue where he had previously found success.
Throughout the earlier rounds, Auger-Aliassime displayed his powerful serve and aggressive groundstrokes, navigating a competitive draw to earn his spot in the championship match. His ability to maintain a high level of play against various opponents set the stage for a compelling final showdown against De Minaur, who also had an impressive path to the final.
The Final Match and De Minaur’s Decisive Win
The championship match between Felix Auger-Aliassime and Alex de Minaur was a showcase of high-intensity tennis. De Minaur, known for his relentless defense and quick court coverage, effectively neutralized Auger-Aliassime’s offensive threats at crucial moments. The Australian’s ability to turn defense into offense, culminating in the ‘stunning backhand winner’ reported by ATPTour.com, proved to be a decisive factor in the outcome.
While specific set scores were not immediately detailed, the intensity of the final suggested a battle of wills, with both players vying for an early-season title. De Minaur’s victory in Rotterdam adds a significant trophy to his collection and sets a strong precedent for his performance in the remainder of the 2026 ATP Tour season.
Implications for Felix Auger-Aliassime’s 2026 Season
Despite the final loss, Felix Auger-Aliassime’s run to the ABN AMRO Open final signals a positive trajectory for his 2026 season. Reaching a final at an ATP 500 event early in the year demonstrates his competitive readiness and form. This performance is crucial for building momentum and confidence as the season progresses, particularly heading into upcoming hard-court tournaments.
The experience gained from competing at such a high level, even in defeat, provides valuable insights for improvement and strategic adjustments. For Auger-Aliassime, the Rotterdam tournament served as a strong indicator of his potential to contend for major titles throughout the year, reinforcing his position among the sport’s elite.
The ABN AMRO Open final, while not resulting in a title for Felix Auger-Aliassime, underscored his consistent presence at the top tiers of men’s professional tennis, marking a significant early-season benchmark for his competitive capabilities.