Auger-Aliassime advances to third round at Monte-Carlo Masters with win over Cilic

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

Auger-Aliassime, seeded sixth at the event, took control of the second set with a huge break to go up 3-1 when Cilic double-faulted on break point. Later, Auger-Aliassime saved a break point with an ace before holding to take a 5-2 lead.

He wrapped up the win after a brief rally on match point ended when Cilic hit long.

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

Auger-Aliassime will next face ninth seed Casper Ruud of Norway.

The Canadian holds a 4-3 career record against Ruud after defeating him in their last three meetings, all in 2024. That run included wins on clay at the Madrid Masters and the Paris Olympics.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 8, 2026.

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