“I needed results like this” – Auger-Aliassime eyes late-season renaissance after a difficult 2023 campaign
The Canadian has struggled for any sort of form or consistency throughout most of this season, but sees progress in recent results
Aflo / Panoramic
Prior to this week’s Japan Open, it had been seven months since Felix Auger-Aliassime had won consecutive tennis matches.
For a player once ranked No 6 in the world, this sits more in the realm of crisis than it does in temporary loss of form.
True, the Canadian has suffered injury and illness during this time – a left knee issue derailing much of his grass-court season – but it was nothing that kept him off tour for more than a few weeks.
Following a run to the quarter-finals of Indian Wells in March, Auger-Aliassime then lost in the opening match of his next three tournaments (Madrid, Rome, Roland-Garros), before that injury to his left knee meant he missed all build-up tournaments to Wimbledon.
On his return to action, he went another three tournaments without victory (at Wimbledon, Washington and Toronto) before earning a first win in five months in Cincinnati, beating Matteo Berrettini. Another four consecutive losses followed for the Canadian before his arrival in Tokyo this week.
Auger-Aliassime puts an end to unenviable statistic
Now, for the first time seven months, and to the inaudible cheers of Auger-Aliassime fans around the world – of whom there are many – the Canadian has put together back-to-back wins in the Japanese capital, defeating first Vukic then Ofner in what must surely be a massive pressure release.
“I needed results like this” were, tellingly, some of the first words he uttered during his on-court interview following that straight sets win over Ofner.
“It’s been er… I mean, I’m kind of tired of of talking about the year it’s been,” the ever affable young Canadian said, with a warm smile on his face.
“I believe in my game and I believe in myself that I have what it takes to win at this level,” Auger-Aliassime continued.
“I have done it before, so it is about doing it and having a lot of belief and a positive mind. I am happy that my level is translating to the match court after a couple of months.
“I look forward to the next matches and to build on this good win.”
Felix ready to put deflating year behind him, with focus on enjoyment
It was refreshing to hear the world No 17 talk about looking forward to playing and building a foundation from a much-needed pair of victories.
Auger-Aliassime’s slump this year has been one of the more unexpected and quietly deflating narratives of the season.
For such a likeable and talented player, whose career trajectory always seemed to be heading in the right direction, it was both puzzling and disappointing to witness the extent to which Auger-Aliassime’s 2023 campaign nose-dived.
With a mini resurgence in the form of consecutive wins under his belt, there is now a platform from which the Canadian can try to build some sort of momentum to carry into next year.
👋 quarter-finals!@felixtennis defeats Sebastian Ofner 6-4, 6-1 to grab the first ticket into the @japanopentennis last eight.#kinoshitajotennis pic.twitter.com/N9SCroMGl2
— ATP Tour (@atptour) October 18, 2023
Not that the alarm bells have entirely quietened, however. The four-time ATP titlist has some way ahead of him when it comes to building form and confidence, along which there will no doubt be further setbacks.
But a desperately unwanted statistic is now behind him. Given the year that Auger-Aliassime has had on court, the minor successes must be recognised and celebrated.
Enjoyment, especially in the difficult moments, is key to climbing out of the slumps when they arise.
The Canadian himself perhaps understands this best of all, and expressed the point candidly.
“I enjoy playing like this,” he said.
“After all, I’m still a young player and I enjoy all these moments, and I enjoy playing the way I did today.”
It is fair to say, many tennis followers worldwide probably rather enjoyed it too.
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