Stefanos Tsitsipas booked his place in the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships final for a third time in four appearances, dispatching Tallon Griekspoor 6-4, 6-4 in a composed performance on Friday. The Greek star, competing in his 30th career final, will face in-form Felix Auger-Aliassime, who overcame Quentin Halys in three sets earlier in the day.
Finally, I can have an early night, a good night’s sleep, and not have to go to bed at two o’clock in the morning. I’m extremely happy to play good tennis from beginning to end. My focus levels were at the highest they have been this week.
For the fourth seed, Saturday’s showdown represents his first outdoor hardcourt final since winning Los Cabos in 2023. Having twice finished runner-up in Dubai—against Roger Federer in 2019 and Novak Djokovic in 2020 — Tsitsipas is seeking a maiden title in the emirate.
Against Griekspoor, he delivered a well-balanced performance, particularly on serve. The former World No3 struck four aces in the opening set and held firm during key moments. At 3-3, he created his first break-point opportunities but was unable to convert. The warning signs, however, were there. When Griekspoor next stepped up to serve, Tsitsipas seized his chance, breaking with precision and control. A single break was all he needed to take the set.
Griekspoor, who took a medical timeout between sets, was broken early in the second and never recovered. Both players maintained strong serving games, but Tsitsipas’s composure—so often questioned in high-pressure moments—was rock solid. There were no lapses, no wavering resolve, only a methodical march to victory in one hour and 23 minutes.
Awaiting him in the final is a confident Auger-Aliassime, a player Tsitsipas leads 6-3 in their head-to-head record. However, the Canadian has been in scintillating form this season, winning more matches than any other player on Tour. The 24-year-old battled past Halys 5-7, 6-4, 6-3 to secure a spot in his third final of the year, having already triumphed in Adelaide and Montpellier.
I feel like he has improved — I’ve been seeing that over the last few weeks. I’m not expecting the same type of Felix I’ve played before; I’m expecting something different. Him being in the final just proves that. My main goal is to be a tough opponent to beat, to reach the level I want when I’m playing.
Auger-Aliassime, who has fought through three-set battles in all his matches this week, remains confident despite the extra workload. Having come through qualifying, Halys had enjoyed a dream run, knocking out third seed Andrey Rublev and 2018 champion Roberto Bautista Agut. Yet in the decisive set, the Canadian took full control.
I’ve been really trying to win in straight sets this week. Somehow, I find myself in three-setters… but ultimately, you just have to win two sets. The great thing is that even without playing my best tennis every set, every game, I’m still in the final. That’s positive—I’ll take that. Hopefully, tomorrow I can play even a little bit better.
With Tsitsipas chasing his 12th ATP title and Auger-Aliassime aiming to extend his unbeaten streak in finals this year, Saturday’s clash promises to be an electrifying encounter under the lights in Dubai.
