Auger-Aliassime Wins at ABN Amro: Advances to Second Round | Rotterdam Open 2024

Rotterdam, Netherlands – February 12, 2026 – Félix Auger-Aliassime continued his strong form following a title defense in Montpellier, securing a straight-set victory over Alexei Popyrin in the first round of the ABN AMRO Open on Wednesday.

The second-seeded Canadian dispatched Popyrin 7-5, 6-3, demonstrating a return to form after a first-round retirement at the Australian Open due to cramping. Auger-Aliassime controlled the match with a dominant service game, registering eight aces to Popyrin’s six, and outperforming his opponent in winners 23-14. A second service break in the second set provided a comfortable cushion, ultimately sealing the win.

Auger-Aliassime’s net play was also a key factor in the victory, winning eight of nine points when approaching the net. This aggressive tactic proved effective against an opponent who had previously defeated him in their first two encounters, both in 2023.

The win sets up a second-round clash against Hamad Medjedovic of Serbia, currently ranked 79th in the world. Medjedovic presents a new challenge for Auger-Aliassime as he continues his campaign in Rotterdam.

This tournament holds significance for Auger-Aliassime, as he previously claimed his first ATP title at the ABN AMRO Open four years ago. The defending champion from Montpellier will be looking to build on that success and add another trophy to his collection.

Auger-Aliassime’s performance in Montpellier, where he defeated Adrian Mannarino to secure his ninth career title and a Canadian record for most Tour-level titles in the Open Era, has clearly translated into confidence and momentum. He surpassed Milos Raonic in the record books with this achievement.

The victory in Montpellier also propelled Auger-Aliassime to a career-high ranking of No. 6 in the PIF ATP Rankings, a position he will carry into the Rotterdam tournament. This rise in the rankings underscores his consistent performance and growing stature within the sport.

The ABN AMRO Open is an ATP 500 event, attracting a strong field of competitors. Auger-Aliassime’s ability to navigate this challenging tournament will be a crucial test as he aims to solidify his position among the top players in the world.

His recent success indoors is particularly noteworthy. Auger-Aliassime has won 89 tour-level matches indoors this decade, the most of any player, highlighting his comfort and effectiveness on these surfaces. This expertise will be valuable as he progresses through the rounds in Rotterdam.

The match against Popyrin, despite being a straight-set victory, wasn’t without its challenges. Popyrin, despite his current losing streak of nine matches, is a capable opponent, and Auger-Aliassime needed to maintain focus and precision to secure the win. The Canadian’s ability to avoid facing any break points throughout the match demonstrates his control and composure.

Looking ahead, Auger-Aliassime’s next challenge against Medjedovic will require a similar level of focus and strategic play. Medjedovic, while lower-ranked, is a rising talent and will undoubtedly present a competitive match. Auger-Aliassime will need to leverage his experience and recent successes to overcome this hurdle.

The ABN AMRO Open represents an important opportunity for Auger-Aliassime to continue his momentum and build towards the larger goals of the 2026 season. His stated ambition, following his Montpellier triumph, is to continue improving and competing at the highest level. A strong showing in Rotterdam would be a significant step in that direction.

Jesper de Jong, the Dutch player currently ranked No. 88, achieved a career-high ranking of No. 71 on January 5, 2026. While not directly involved in Auger-Aliassime’s match, de Jong’s presence in the tournament adds to the local interest and competitive depth of the ABN AMRO Open.