Defending champion Félix Auger-Aliassime overcame a heroic challenge from French qualifier Titouan Droguet on Saturday, securing a 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-1 victory to advance to the final of the Open Occitanie. In a match that lasted 2 hours and 26 minutes, the world No. 8 was pushed by the 150th-ranked Droguet, who was competing in his maiden ATP semi-final.
After a controlled opening set from the Canadian, Droguet raised his level to a stunning degree. The 24-year-old Frenchman played near-flawless tennis late in the second set, matching Auger-Aliassime’s power and forcing a high-stakes tie-break. The tension was palpable as the pair reached 5-5 in the breaker, but it was Droguet who found the extra gear, delivering two exceptional points including a clutch ace to steal the set and ignite the home crowd.
Auger-Aliassime’s vital saves
The loss of the second set visibly sparked frustration in Auger-Aliassime, yet the top seed showcased the champion’s resolve that saw him win this title in 2025. The turning point of the deciding set arrived in the third game; with the score deadlocked at 1-1, Droguet earned two break point opportunities to take a shock lead.
Auger-Aliassime produced a vital stand to save both, eventually holding for 2-1. Once he escaped that precarious game, the mental and physical toll of the battle finally saw Droguet crack. The Canadian surged forward, winning five consecutive games to seal the victory.
“The battle was fierce. Titouan played an incredible match, especially in that second set,” Auger-Aliassime noted after the match. He will now face fellow veteran Adrian Mannarino in Sunday’s final, aiming to become the first player to successfully defend the Montpellier crown since 2017.