Auger-Aliassime F vs Droguet T on 7 February
The clash between Felix Auger-Aliassime and Théo Droguet at the 2026 Montpellier tournament promises to be an exciting and tactical encounter. Set to take place on February 7th, this match holds significant implications for both players' aspirations. Auger-Aliassime, a seasoned ATP player, looks to assert his dominance on indoor hard courts, while Droguet, the French wildcard, is aiming to create an upset on home soil. With both players bringing distinct playing styles to the table, this match could very well hinge on the fine margins of serving, return patterns, and mental fortitude. Here's a deep dive into what fans can expect from this highly anticipated showdown.
Auger-Aliassime F: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Felix Auger-Aliassime enters this match with a solid run of form, having won 4 of his last 5 matches. His recent victories demonstrate a strong baseline game combined with a powerful serve, two key elements that have been central to his game for the past few seasons. Auger-Aliassime’s serve, especially his first delivery, has been exceptional—averaging a first-serve percentage of 75% over his last 5 matches, with an ace count nearing 10 per match. This will be a critical weapon against Droguet, who is not renowned for his return game at this level.
On the return side, Auger-Aliassime has shown a much-improved ability to handle big servers, particularly on indoor hard courts, where conditions generally favor strong servers. His rally style, characterized by deep, powerful forehands, is likely to stretch Droguet from side to side. However, his ability to control points and adapt to shorter rallies could also come into play, especially if Droguet struggles with his own serve.
Physically, Auger-Aliassime looks fit and primed for the indoor hard court conditions, and he has shown mental resilience in tight situations. His ability to stay focused during crucial moments—especially in tiebreaks—could make the difference here. The main concern for Auger-Aliassime in this match is his occasional inconsistency when it comes to closing out sets. If Droguet can capitalize on any lapses in concentration, it could prove costly.
Droguet T: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Théo Droguet, the young French wildcard, has demonstrated flashes of brilliance but remains relatively untested at this level. With a record of 3-2 in his last 5 matches, Droguet has shown that he can be dangerous, especially on his favored indoor hard courts. His key weapon is his backhand, a shot that allows him to dictate points and open up the court. However, his serve remains a weakness, with a first-serve percentage hovering around 65%, which will be exposed against an aggressive returner like Auger-Aliassime.
Droguet’s best chance in this matchup is to disrupt the rhythm of Auger-Aliassime's serve by mixing up his return strategies—perhaps incorporating more slices and off-speed returns to force errors or weak returns. His net game is also solid, and if he can drag Auger-Aliassime into short rallies, Droguet could surprise with his volleying skills, an area where the Canadian has sometimes shown vulnerability.
Despite his undeniable talent, Droguet’s lack of experience in high-pressure matches against top-tier opponents like Auger-Aliassime means his mental fortitude will be under scrutiny. His ability to remain composed in the face of Auger-Aliassime’s serve and power will be the key to any potential upset.
Head-to-Head: History and Psychology
In terms of head-to-head, these two players have never met before on the ATP circuit, meaning there is little to draw from in terms of direct past encounters. This makes their clash all the more intriguing. The contrast in their styles—Auger-Aliassime’s aggressive power game versus Droguet’s crafty, counterpunching baseline style—suggests that the outcome will be determined by who can impose their strategy more effectively. Auger-Aliassime, being a higher-ranked player, will naturally be the favorite, but Droguet’s home-court advantage could play a significant role in helping him gain confidence and break his opponent’s rhythm.
Key Battles and Critical Zones
The first key battle will take place on the return games. Auger-Aliassime’s power serve will be tested by Droguet’s return game. If Droguet can avoid being overwhelmed by the Canadian’s first serves and return with variety, he may be able to break Auger-Aliassime’s rhythm, particularly by mixing high, loopy returns with aggressive slices. Should Droguet fail to deal with Auger-Aliassime’s serve, it will be a quick match in the Canadian’s favor.
The second critical battle is at the net. Auger-Aliassime’s aggressive baseline game has often been complemented by an underrated net game. Droguet’s volleying, while competent, will need to be sharp if he is to capitalize on short balls and finish points at the net. Any hesitation from Droguet in these situations could lead to easy putaways for Auger-Aliassime, who will be looking to end points quickly after forcing his opponent to retreat from the baseline.
Match Scenario and Prediction
This match is likely to unfold with Auger-Aliassime taking an early lead, using his powerful serve to dictate play and assert dominance in the rallies. Droguet, if he is to succeed, will need to mix up his returns, stay patient, and hope for an occasional lapse from the Canadian. The indoor hard courts in Montpellier favor Auger-Aliassime’s style, and if he can maintain his focus and serve consistently, he should emerge victorious.
While Droguet’s potential for an upset cannot be discounted—especially if he gets a strong start and makes the most of any Auger-Aliassime mistakes—the Canadian’s experience and superior power make him the likely winner here. A straight-set victory for Auger-Aliassime seems the most probable outcome, with the scoreline likely to be 6-3, 6-4 in his favor.
Final Thoughts
The match between Felix Auger-Aliassime and Théo Droguet is set to be a clash of contrasting styles. The Canadian’s power will meet the Frenchman’s finesse, and with Auger-Aliassime’s powerful serve and baseline game as the centerpiece of his strategy, Droguet will have to rely on his returns and net play to keep the match close. The critical question this match will answer is: can Théo Droguet disrupt Auger-Aliassime’s rhythm, or will the Canadian continue his dominance on indoor courts?
