In a thrilling tennis showdown, Felix Auger-Aliassime, the top seed and reigning champion, showcased his prowess by halting the remarkable journey of French qualifier Titouan Droguet at the Open Occitanie semi-finals in Montpellier. This victory sets the stage for an exciting final! But here's the twist: Auger-Aliassime's success wasn't without a challenge.
The match, played on February 7, 2026, saw Auger-Aliassime claim a hard-fought 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-1 win. This triumph propels him into his 21st tour-level final, an impressive feat in itself. Interestingly, he has a strong affinity for indoor tournaments, having secured seven of his eight career titles in such settings. His 87 match wins indoors this decade are unparalleled on the ATP Tour.
Auger-Aliassime, aged 25, demonstrated unwavering confidence: "I knew my opportunity would arrive, even in the second set. Winning the first set was crucial, allowing me to strategize for the break. My serve and returns improved significantly in the third set." But here's where it gets controversial—Droguet, a rising star, pushed Auger-Aliassime to the limit, forcing a third set with a stunning topspin lob and a powerful ace.
However, Auger-Aliassime's experience prevailed, saving all three break points against him and converting three of his own. This sets up a captivating final against Adrian Mannarino, another French favorite. Auger-Aliassime embraces the electric atmosphere, stating, "I thrive in these environments. It's far more exhilarating than playing to empty seats."
Meanwhile, Mannarino, the 37-year-old veteran, overcame American qualifier Martin Damm 1-6, 6-3, 6-4 to reach his 16th tour-level final and his first on home soil. This is a remarkable comeback for the oldest finalist in the tournament's history, who is now ranked No. 51 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings.
Mannarino, a five-time tour-level champion, is hungry for his first title since 2023. On the other hand, Damm's journey, which included upsets over Hubert Hurkacz and Roberto Bautista Agut, ends with a career-high ranking of No. 130. And this is the part most people miss—the underdog story of Damm, who nearly caused a major upset.
So, as Auger-Aliassime and Mannarino prepare for the final, the question lingers: Can Auger-Aliassime maintain his indoor dominance, or will Mannarino's home advantage and experience prevail? Share your predictions in the comments below!
