With the French Open close on the horizon, Felix Auger-Aliassime and Benoit Paire will both look to secure the perfect preparation for the second Major of the year by claiming the Lyon Open title. It will be the first time the pair have clashed, with Auger-Aliassime looking for his first title at tour-level and Paire his third, after winning the Swedish Open in 2015 and the Grand Prix Hassan II earlier this season.
Felix Auger-Aliassime vs Benoit Paire: ATP Lyon Open Final Prediction
Auger-Aliassime began his campaign with a hard-fought 7-6 7-5 win over Australia’s John Millman after a first-round bye. He backed that up by beating Steve Johnson 6-4 2-6 6-4 in the quarterfinals before securing his place in the final by rallying past top seed Nikoloz Basilashvili 2-6 7-6 6-4. Paire opened his tournament with a 3-6 7-6 6-1 win over Mackenzie McDonald before brushing aside Pablo Cuevas 6-4 6-3. The Frenchman then battled past Denis Shapovalov in the quarterfinals, claiming the match in a final set tiebreak. He then dismissed Taylor Fritz for the loss of just six games in the semifinals.
Both men will surely look to play this match on the front foot and both have the power to hit through their opponents. Paire, in particular, has an excellent two-hander and if Auger-Aliassime allows him time on the ball he could well be punished for it. But the Canadian does possess a versatile forehand with which he spreads the court effectively. He is also the better server of the two. However, Paire has been playing inspired tennis in front of the Lyon Open crowd all week. Their support could well prove the difference.
Prediction: Paire in three
