Auger-Aliassime Edges Diallo in All-Montreal Battle at Indian Wells

Summary:

• Félix Auger-Aliassime rallied after dropping the first set to defeat fellow Montreal player Gabriel Diallo 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-3.
• Diallo served well and hit more aces, but a high number of unforced errors proved costly.
• Auger-Aliassime moves on to face France’s Arthur Fils in the round of 16 on Tuesday.

It took Félix Auger-Aliassime a little time to settle in, but once he did, Sunday’s match against fellow Montreal native Gabriel Diallo started to tilt his way.

The ninth seed from Canada came through a tough three-set battle against Diallo at the 2026 Indian Wells Open, winning 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-3. 

Plenty of Momentum Swings

The match lasted just under two and a half hours and had its share of momentum swings.

Diallo started strong and took the opening set in a tight tiebreak. The 24-year-old served well throughout the match, finishing with 11 aces compared with Auger-Aliassime’s nine, and he managed to avoid double faults entirely. 

However, the consistency wasn’t always there from the baseline. Diallo ended the night with 42 unforced errors, a number that gradually gave Auger-Aliassime more openings.

The 25-year-old Auger-Aliassime stayed patient and began finding his rhythm in the second set. He finished with 28 winners and handled pressure moments well, saving three of the four break points he faced. 

When opportunities came on the other side, he took advantage, converting four of seven break chances.

At the net, Auger-Aliassime also had the edge, winning 10 of his 13 approaches. Diallo struggled more in that area, taking just seven of 15 points at the net.

Serving helped keep Auger-Aliassime in control once he moved ahead. He held 14 of his 15 service games, while Diallo managed to hold 11 of 15.

With the win, Auger-Aliassime moves into the round of 16, where he will meet France’s Arthur Fils on Tuesday.

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