Tennis

Canada's Auger-Aliassime to play in 1st ATP final at Rio Open

Canada's Felix Auger-Aliassime advanced to his first ATP tournament final after defeating former champion Pablo Cuevas of Argentina 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 in the Rio Open semifinals on Saturday.

18-year-old from Montreal defeats Pablo Cuevas in semis

Montreal's Felix Auger-Aliassime celebrates his victory over Pablo Cuevas of Uruguay during the singles semi final of the ATP Rio Open 2019 on Saturday in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

Canada's Felix Auger-Aliassime advanced to his first ATP tournament final after defeating former champion Pablo Cuevas of Argentina 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 in the Rio Open semifinals on Saturday.

The 18-year-old from Montreal broke the 2016 champion once in each of the sets for the victory.

He faces Serbia's Laslo Djere in Sunday's championship match after Djere's semifinal opponent, Aljaz Bedene of Slovakia, withdrew with a right leg injury.

Auger-Aliassime saved 5-of-7 break points and won 74 per cent of his first serve points.

WATCH | Auger-Aliassime rolls into Rio Open final: 

Match Wrap: Felix Auger-Aliassime rolls along into Rio Open final

6 years ago
Duration 1:48
Felix Auger-Aliassime becomes the youngest player to ever advance to an ATP 500 final with a 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 win over Pablo Cuevas at the Rio Open.

He was a wild card entering the tournament and upset No. 16 Fabio Fognini of Italy in the first round.

Currently ranked No. 104 in the world, Auger-Aliassime could be in the Top 50 if he wins the tournament title when the latest rankings are released Monday.