ADELAIDE, Australia

In a thrilling semifinal match that kept fans on the edge of their seats, Canada's Félix Auger-Aliassime triumphed over top-seeded American Tommy Paul at the Adelaide International on Friday. The fifth-seeded Canadian secured his spot in the final after a tense three-set battle, winning 7-6 (3), 3-6, 6-4 in a match that spanned two hours and 45 minutes.

Displaying remarkable resilience, Auger-Aliassime managed to capitalize on his serve, winning an impressive 74 percent of his first-serve points compared to Paul’s 69 percent. This victory marks Auger-Aliassime's second career win against the 12th-ranked American, having previously bested him at Indian Wells earlier in 2023.

“It was a battle,” Auger-Aliassime reflected after the match. “It was about physical effort, mental effort, because it was a match with lots of ups and downs. I feel like it was not the best level from both players but sometimes matches are like this. You have to battle with what you have and find a way through, and I’m really happy I did today.”

Auger-Aliassime is now set to face the No. 2 seed Sebastian Korda of the United States in Saturday's final, a matchup that promises to be equally exciting. Currently ranked 29th in the world, Auger-Aliassime is vying for his sixth career title on the ATP Tour and his first since securing a victory in 2023.

This tournament serves as a crucial warm-up for the upcoming Australian Open, which is set to commence this weekend. In the first round of the Grand Slam event, Auger-Aliassime will clash with Germany's Jan-Lennard Struff, a formidable opponent with a strong serve and intricate playstyle.

The Adelaide International continues to draw attention as players prepare for the Australian Open, promising high-stakes matches and stunning performances from some of the world’s best tennis players. Fans eagerly await to see if Auger-Aliassime can secure the title and gain momentum heading into the first Grand Slam of the year. Don't miss the final — it could be a showdown for the ages!