Felix Auger-Aliassime, the 25-year-old Canadian tennis star, demonstrated remarkable resilience during his semi-final match against World No. 1 Jannik Sinner at the US Open on Friday night. Despite falling short in a four-set battle, Auger-Aliassime’s performance was a testament to his growing prowess on the ATP Tour.
Auger-Aliassime’s journey to the semi-finals was nothing short of impressive, with victories over top-seeded players like Alexander Zverev, Andrey Rublev, and Alex de Minaur. His encounter with Sinner, the defending champion, was a closely contested affair, with the Canadian pushing the Italian to a 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 finish. This performance came just weeks after a lopsided defeat to Sinner at the Cincinnati Open, where he lost 6-0, 6-2.
Redemption in Defeat
Despite the loss, Auger-Aliassime found solace in his improved play, particularly in his serving and overall strategy. “I played much better. I served much better,” he reflected on his rematch with Sinner. “In Cincinnati, we hadn’t played in years… and just the way he was returning, how fast he was playing, it just caught me off guard a little bit.”
Auger-Aliassime’s ability to adapt and learn from previous encounters is evident. He entered the match with a clear understanding of what to expect from Sinner, allowing him to remain competitive throughout the match. His performance in the second set, where he conceded just one point on serve, showcased his potential to challenge the best in the world.
Performance Highlights
The Canadian’s statistics from the match highlight his competitive edge. He won 22 of 31 points at the net, demonstrating his flair and conviction in the forecourt. However, converting only one of ten break chances proved to be a critical factor in the outcome.
“But tonight I knew what to expect. He still had a great start, but I had much more belief that as the match would go on, I would find a good level and be competitive.”
Reflecting on his run at Flushing Meadows, Auger-Aliassime expressed satisfaction with various aspects of his game, from his serving to his movement on the court. “But on top of that it’s just the belief, the mentality, the conviction in myself that I have what it takes to win these type of matches,” he added.
Looking Forward
Auger-Aliassime’s strong performance has propelled him eight places up to the 10th position in the PIF ATP Live Race to Turin, putting him in contention for the Nitto ATP Finals in November. However, when asked about his potential to emerge as a true rival to players like Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, he remained cautious. “Future will tell,” he stated. “I don’t want to make too many predictions.”
His focus now shifts to personal milestones, with his upcoming wedding to Nina Ghaibi in Marrakesh, Morocco. When asked about his wedding preparations, he humorously remarked, “No, I was on court, man. You expect that I was on the phone call, like, immediately after the loss and figuring that out. No, I’ll figure it out tomorrow.”
Next Steps
As for his immediate tennis commitments, Auger-Aliassime has yet to decide on participating in the Davis Cup, which is scheduled just days before his wedding. His decision will likely depend on his physical condition and readiness following the demanding US Open run.
Auger-Aliassime’s performance at the US Open not only reinforces his status as a formidable competitor on the ATP Tour but also sets the stage for a promising future. His ability to learn from past experiences and maintain a positive mindset will be crucial as he continues to strive for greater achievements in the sport.
