Felix Auger-Aliassime has insisted that he is heading in the right direction after being knocked out of the Miami Open on Sunday.
The 20-year-old was edged out in two tiebreak sets by former champion John Isner. It was at the tournament where he recorded one of the best runs in his career to date by reaching the semi-finals back in 2019. Coincidentally, he also lost that match to Isner. Since then, the Canadian has maintained his position inside the world’s top 50 and has been ranked as high as 17th in the world. However, he is yet to win an ATP title or progress beyond the fourth round of a Grand Slam.
“My game is improving in the right direction. Also, I think my mentality is, as well,” Auger-Aliassime told reporters on Sunday. “I lost close matches this year so far. Honestly, I will keep going and find a way that it’s going to fall on my side. Sometimes it’s close matches like today (Sunday) where in the past that it’s fallen on my side before.’
“Of course every time I step on the court and to work, I want to improve my shots from my serve to my backhand to my forehand. But overall just keep doing what I’m doing.”
Auger-Aliassime grew up as a tennis prodigy due to his successes at a young age. It was during 2019 when he became the youngest player for 20 years to break into the top 25 on the ATP Tour and the youngest in history to reach the final of an ATP 500 series event. He is also the first player to reach five Tour finals as a teenager since Rafael Nadal. Overall, Auger-Aliassime has featured in seven ATP Finals which he has all lost in straight sets.
Now ranked 18th in the world, he believes his positive mindset is helping him in the right direction. He is currently coached by Frederic Fontang who has been a member of his team since 2017. Former top 60 player Fontang has also previously worked with Caroline Garcia, Jeremy Chardy and Vasek Pospisil.
“That’s the only way for me to get to where I want. If I dwell on my losses and I don’t show a trait of character and resilience I’m not going in the right direction,” said Auger-Aliassime.
“Honestly, I’m playing well, I’m feeling good. In this period, as well, I don’t want to be too hard on myself. I think there have been tougher moments also.”
Auger-Aliassime’s win-loss for the season currently stands at 10-5. He has only defeated one top 20 player which was Denis Shapovalov at the Australian Open.
