Montreal teen Auger-Aliassime to play in Stuttgart final after Raonic withdraws

STUTTGART, Germany — Canadian teenager Felix Auger-Aliassime will play Italy’s Matteo Berrettini in the final of the Stuttgart Open.

The 18-year-old Auger-Aliassime, from Montreal, progressed to his third tour-level final without playing on Saturday as compatriot Milos Raonic withdrew ahead of their semifinal due to back problems.

“It’s just tough to see Milos having to withdraw,” Auger-Aliassime said on court. “He’s one of the best guys on tour. He’s always been great to me since I first arrived on tour when I was a junior.’

“It’s tough to see him go out that way but at the same time it is what it is and I have to try and get ready for tomorrow’s final as best as I can.”

The sixth-seeded Raonic, from Thornhill, Ont., lost last year’s final to Roger Federer, who opted not to defend his title.

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“It’s hard for me to accept this situation but it is how it is,” Raonic said. “But I’m happy that Felix has an opportunity to win his first title, so I wish him all the best.”

Raonic was playing his first tournament since suffering a knee injury in March.  The hard-serving 28-year-old has battled the injury bug throughout his career.

Auger-Aliassime also is returning from injury as a left abductor problem forced him to miss the French Open.

The 21st-ranked Auger-Aliassime previously reached championship matches in Rio de Janeiro in February and the Lyon Open in May — both on clay.

Berrettini defeated Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff 6-4, 7-5 in the other semifinal. The 30th-ranked Berrettini will be going for this third tour title and his first on grass after victories in Budapest in April, and Gstaad, Switzerland, last year.

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— With files from The Canadian Press.

The Associated Press