Auger-Aliassime Defeats Cilic to Reach Monte-Carlo Masters Third Round

Canadian tennis star Félix Auger-Aliassime kicked off his clay-court season with a solid 7-6 (4), 6-3 victory over Croatia’s Marin Cilic in the second round of the Monte-Carlo Masters on Wednesday.

The sixth-seeded Auger-Aliassime seized control in the second set with a crucial break to go up 3-1 when Cilic double-faulted on break point. He later saved a break point with an ace before holding serve to extend his lead to 5-2.

Auger-Aliassime closed out the match after a brief rally on match point ended when Cilic sent a shot long.

The 25-year-old from Montreal, who had a first-round bye, improved his season record to 16-6. He claimed his ninth career title in February at Montpelier, France.

Auger-Aliassime will face ninth seed Casper Ruud of Norway next on Thursday. The Canadian leads their head-to-head 4-3, including three wins in 2024. Those victories came on clay at both the Madrid Masters and the Paris Olympics.