Interview Félix Auger-Aliassime: "I’ve made progress in all aspects of my game"
Three-time champion (Adelaide, Montpellier, and Brussels) and a semifinalist at the US Open, Félix Auger-Aliassime is enjoying one of the best seasons of his career. The result of years of hard work, his achievements have propelled him back into the world’s Top 10 and could pave the way for a second appearance at the ATP Finals in Turin.
You were forced to retire after the first set against Jaume Munar in the Basel quarter-finals, but you won your opening match here at Paris La Defense Arena. How are you feeling physically?
Félix Auger-Aliassime: There was a bit of uncertainty since I had to pull out last week. But on Monday, I felt better in practice and the pain had almost completely gone. In my first-round match (against Francisco Comesana), some movements, especially on serve, were still tricky, but I managed it well and I feel good now.
You seem to be back at your best - like in 2022 - having reached the US Open semi-finals and returned to the Top 10 this week. Would you say this is one of your best seasons?
Yes, I’d say along with 2022, it’s one of my best seasons, especially since three years ago I hadn’t reached a Grand Slam semifinal. It’s good, it’s progress. I always believed I could get back there, but I went through a lot of issues and struggled to find my level again. I’ve made progress in all aspects of my game, I’m more accurate, more in control, and more aware of what I’m producing on court. I just hope everything goes well physically, and I’ll need to be smart about my schedule and my training to keep playing the kind of tennis I want to play year after year.
You’re still in the race to qualify for the ATP Finals in Turin. What does that event represent for you?
It’s a really special competition. Being part of that world elite is every kid’s dream, along with playing the Grand Slams. Only the most consistent players qualify for the ATP Finals and at the end of the year, you see who really made it. It’s not about one great week or two, you have to perform well all season and get results. Qualification is proof of consistency, and that’s exactly what I’m aiming for. It would mean a lot to play there again (he took part in the 2022 edition).
You mentioned your progress earlier. Which areas of your game have improved the most, and what have you been working on recently?
Honestly, I think I’ve improved everywhere. I’ve always based my game on my forehand and serve, and both have gotten better. I’ve also improved my return and my backhand, and I feel much more comfortable finishing points at the net. Overall, I’d say my whole game has gone up a level or two over the past few years.
Is that kind of evolution essential to keep up with the physical demands of today’s tour, where the level is so high every week?
Absolutely. These days you need a complete game. You have to find the best way to be efficient within your own style. I’m a player who likes to move forward, to take the ball early and follow up quickly after my serve, so I have to be good at that. When I need to defend, I do it properly, but it’s not my specialty — I just need to be strong in the areas that define my game.
On tour, several players have changed coaches or teams. You’ve stayed loyal to your coach, Frédéric Fontang, who knows your game and your body inside out. Can you tell us about that special relationship?
Personally, I perform best with people I truly trust. It’s not just Frédéric, there’s also my physio, Andres Vial, who shares his weeks with Hugo Gravil, who joined my team in 2023. Over the years, I’ve tried to surround myself with people who share my values and with whom I have real chemistry. Frédéric has been a constant throughout my career, and now our relationship goes beyond tennis. We can talk freely, without judgment, even on a personal level and that’s huge. When you can communicate openly, knowing you’re both working toward the same goal, it gives incredible strength to a partnership. I’m very happy with our relationship, and of course, we always aim to stay disciplined, professional, and effective season after season.
