ATP Open Occitianie Semifinals preview: Andrey Rublev and Felix Auger-Aliassime lead the charge against surprises
ATP
The ATP Tour action continues at the ATP 250 Open 13 Provence in the French city of Marseille. The indoor hardcourt tournament still features top seeds Andrey Rublev and Félix Auger-Aliassime, who will face two of the event’s biggest surprises.
After a tough Australian Open, several players who didn’t reach the second week in Melbourne quickly resumed their schedules. Rublev himself wasn’t originally signed up for Marseille but requested a last-minute wildcard, securing his spot as the first seed and the only top-10 player in the draw.
Rublev vs. Kovacevic
Andrey Rublev suffered a disappointing first-round exit at the season’s first Grand Slam, losing in straight sets to rising star João Fonseca. Despite entering as the ninth seed, the Russian faced a tricky draw against the talented Brazilian, who proved too strong.
With just one match played in 2025, Rublev decided to enter the Open 13 Provence to regain confidence and earn crucial points, as he is on the verge of dropping out of the top 10 for the first time in nearly three years.
In Marseille, Rublev had a solid debut, defeating Christopher Eubanks 6-4, 6-3 in the round of 16, and advanced to the semifinals after Nikoloz Basilashvili retired at 5-2 in their quarterfinal match.
His next challenge is American Aleksandar Kovacevic (No. 102), the tournament’s biggest surprise. Kovacevic came through the qualifiers and has reached his first ATP 250 semifinal, knocking out players like David Goffin and defending champion Alexander Bublik. The 26-year-old has never beaten a top-10 player, and this will be his first-ever meeting with Rublev.
An unfortunate ending 😔
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) January 31, 2025
Basilashvili retires due to injury, sending Rublev through to the semi-finals at the @OpenOccitanie
Get better soon, Nikoloz 💪 pic.twitter.com/mOM9J1FtdP
Auger-Aliassime vs. De Jong
Since the start of 2022, Félix Auger-Aliassime has won 51 indoor hardcourt matches, more than any other player, ahead of Holger Rune (42) and Jannik Sinner (40). The Canadian has also won five indoor titles, including three ATP 500 trophies.
Auger-Aliassime started the season in style, winning the Adelaide International title in his first event of 2025. However, he was soon upset in the Australian Open second round by an inspired Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, who came from two sets down to eliminate the 29th seed.
The former world No. 6 has cruised through Marseille so far, defeating Arthur Cazaux 6-4, 7-6 and Bu Yunchaokete 6-3, 6-4 to reach another ATP semifinal.
His opponent will be Dutchman Jesper de Jong (No. 131), who has reached his first ATP semifinal after upsetting third seed Flavio Cobolli and fifth seed Tallon Griekspoor. A win would see De Jong break into the top 100 for the first time in his career.
While Auger-Aliassime is the clear favourite, De Jong has already caused a couple of surprises in Marseille and will look to continue his dream run.
Sealed with an ace 🤝
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) January 31, 2025
Felix Auger-Aliassime defeats Bu 6-3 6-4, securing his spot in the semi-finals!@OpenOccitanie pic.twitter.com/kRQN65M04u
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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