FAA makes it three titles this month with Basel victory

Felix Auger-Aliassime completed a title hat-trick on Sunday as he beat a frustrated Holger Rune 6-3, 7-5 in Basel. 

The 500 series success in an hour and three-quarters left the Canadian thick in the chase for the ATP Finals next month in Turin, standing provisional sixth with one week of play to come at Paris Bercy.

FAA added the trophy in the hometown of his tennis idol Roger Federer to his other October successes in Florence and Antwerp.

“I feel over the moon,” the winner said after lifting his fourth trophy of the season. “It’s been an amazing week, not getting broken. It’s been a dream for me, fantastic.”

The Canadian who has won his last 13 matches finished with 28 winners including 11 aces as he tamed the outspoken Danish teenager.

Ruud drew a warning from the chair after complaining loudly and bitterly about what he claimed was a flash in advertising lighting which put him off his serve in the tight second set.

But the Stockholm champion’s win streak was ended at nine calmed down in the face of superior firepower from his opponent, who was not broken all week.

“I’ve played some good tennis the last few weeks, I’ve been able to dictate when I had the chance.

“But Felix’s serve was the best I’ve ever played against.It is super-precise   

“When I had a couple of break points, he served aces, I can’t blame myself for that, but I could have had more focus on my serve today.”

Rune saved two match points before finally going down to defeat.

Auger-Aliassime let out a scream as he took victory when Rune sent a return long.

“This I’ve played some of my best tennis, everything I believe I could do is coming together.” .

“I’ve gotten a lot of satisfaction the last few weeks. If I look at myself a yer ago, I’m a better player.”

Main photo:- Felix Auger-Aliassime makes it three titles this month as he celebrates Basel victory – by ATPTour.com