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Third time lucky as De Minaur finally wins in Rotterdam / Photo: Bas CZERWINSKI - ANP/AFP
Third time lucky as De Minaur finally wins in Rotterdam
Australian Alex de Minaur won the Rotterdam Open at the third time of asking Sunday, producing typical counterpunching tennis to overcome Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-3, 6-2.
The top-seed had lost the previous two finals to Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, but he seized on the absence of the world's top two to make it third time lucky.
"It feels great to finally be able to lift the title," said the world number eight.
"Every day I got better and I'm super pleased with the performance today," he added.
Canadian Auger-Aliassime threw everything at the 26-year-old but the Australian soaked up the pressure and retrieved brilliantly.
The early games went with serve but de Minaur seized the initiative in the sixth game, breaking the Canadian's serve with a backhand winner up the line.
The top seed sealed the first set 6-3 with a powerful service, his consistency proving too much for Auger-Aliassime who was left to rue 14 unforced errors.
The pattern repeated in the second set, as de Minaur broke to love in the fifth game after two Auger-Aliassime double faults.
The Canadian took a medical time-out for a reason that was not immediately clear, returning with no obvious movement issues.
However, de Minaur again broke his serve to love, Auger-Aliassime dumping a forehand into the net to put the Australian on the brink.
De Minaur made no mistake, taking the title with his first ace of the match and raising his arms in triumph and relief.
"Third time lucky. We finally managed to get the title," said the Australian as he collected the trophy.
"I'm glad I was finally able to get the title. It's been one of my favourite spots on the calendar. I love coming back here in Rotterdam. I've played some of my best tennis here and I finally get the reward."
(D.Sanchez--TAG)
