FAA hits fourth season SF with defeat of Cilic

Felix Auger-Aliassime staged a fightback to move into his fourth semi-final of the season on Thursday, defeating Marin Cilic 6-4, 3-6, 6-2 at the ATP Dubai event.

The Canadian with two titles already in 2024, added his final four place at the Aviation Club to those he reached over the past two months at Adelaide, lat week in Doha and his title this month in Montpellier.

The 21-year-old has been taking his revenge in the battle of generations with 2014 US Open winner Cilic, 36, with the Croat now playing on a protected ranking after an injury comeback winning their first three career meetings.

“It was a difficult match, but that was expected,” the winner said. “Marin is a great champion of our sports, one of the most consistent of his era.

“he beat me pretty badly when I was coming up (on Tour). This was my second win over him – but it’s never easy.”

FAA fired 13 aces in the two-and-a-quarter-hour victory.

He recovered from a break down in the final set, his third this week which has gone the distance. 

“It’s been a great start to the year,” he said. “That’s down to a lot of hard work and seizing my opportunities.

“The matches this week have all gone back and forth. I have to stay sharp mentally and take my chances.”

The Canadian maintained his statistical lead on the ATP with the most matches (15) won since the start of the season.