“First tournament as a married man, so I guess it’s good luck”: Felix Auger-Aliassime comments after European Open title

The 25-year-old Canadian took two hours and 34 minutes to secure the victory, striking 17 aces and winning 79 percent of points behind his first serve. It was his first tournament as a married man — something he made sure to mention after lifting the trophy.

“Thank you, Jiri — great week, great level, great guy as well,” Auger-Aliassime said during the award ceremony. “Since the beginning on tour, you’ve always been a class act. I wish you all the best for the end of the year and the next one coming, and to your team and family — all the best, congrats to you guys.” His remarks set the tone for a speech that balanced professionalism and respect.

He quickly turned to his own camp. “To my team and family as well, and my wife — first tournament as a married man, so I guess it’s good luck,” he said with a smile. “I have to give you some credit.” The line drew laughter from the crowd and from his team watching courtside, showing a relaxed Félix at ease after closing a tough contest.

After addressing his opponent and his inner circle, Auger-Aliassime directed his attention to those who made the event possible. “Looking back on the week, thank you to Dick and your team, all the volunteers for putting up this event,” he said. “It’s been a few times I’ve played here now, and it’s always a joy to come back to Belgium. First time in Brussels, so that’s great.”

Toward the end of his speech, Auger-Aliassime switched focus to the fans who filled the arena throughout the week. “Thank you all for coming throughout the week,” he said. “We travel all year as players, and coming back to Belgium — now to Brussels — every year, and seeing the stands almost full every night, it’s really great.”

He went on to explain what motivates players to perform week after week across the tour. “That’s why we play,” he said. “We play for ourselves, but we also play for you — to enjoy playing in front of all of you. So thank you for supporting tennis, thank you for coming in great numbers every year, and I hope to see you again in the years to come.”

His words underlined the close relationship between players and the crowds that support them, and his delivery felt like a message of mutual appreciation rather than formality. The fans responded with applause as the Canadian held the trophy high, marking the end of another successful edition of the European Open.

Auger-Aliassime’s win in Brussels adds another title to his growing list of achievements and consolidates his strong indoor form heading into the final part of the season. With his serve firing consistently and his composure evident in pressure moments, the Canadian demonstrated the qualities that have kept him near the top of the ATP rankings in recent years.

The European Open once again provided a platform for high-level tennis and solid organisation, elements Auger-Aliassime was quick to recognise. His post-match words captured the broader effort behind a successful tournament and the shared experience that defines the ATP Tour. As he summed it up: “It’s always great to come back, play in front of fans like these, and finish the week with a win.”