Former coach of Félix-Auger Aliassime, Guillaume Marx is in no way surprised by the recent successes of the young Quebecer.
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The year 2022 is the most successful in the career of the 22-year-old athlete. But before getting their hands on the crown in Rotterdam, Florence and Antwerp, “FAA” had bowed to its first eight finals on the ATP circuit.
However, according to Tennis Canada’s performance manager, Auger-Aliassime hasn’t changed his style of play or his approach to finally lifting trophies.
“I don’t think there’s really any change,” he said over the phone. I think that after a while, luck ends up smiling. I think at the start of the year, on the heels of the ATP Cup he won [avec l’équipe canadienne] it gave him a little extra percentage of confidence.
“His level of play is simply improving. I think there is no longer a problem for him with the finals.
As a matter of fact, Auger-Aliassime participated in four finals in 2022 and only lost to the excellent Andrey Rublev in Marseille. On other occasions, he never conceded more than four games in one set, easily defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas, JJ Wolf and Sebastian Korda.
Enough to be encouraging for the Montrealer, who has never reached the semi-finals of a Grand Slam tournament.
“I think it’s a matter of time, estimated Marx, who was Auger-Aliassime’s instructor until 2020. I am convinced that Félix will win a Grand Slam in the next two years.”
Trust and humility
In order to qualify for the ATP Finals, “FAA” continues the tournaments of the ATP250 series. He will also be heading to Basel, Switzerland, on Tuesday for the Swiss Indoors event.
These slightly less tough competitions allow the Quebecer, who always participates in them as the top seed, to face opponents who are a little less well off.
“I think it’s a good thing, a good choice he made,” Marx said. Physically, he is really well prepared. Chaining the matches in this way, really, that’s what boosts confidence.
Moreover, despite his victories and his flourishing popularity, Auger-Aliassime still displays the same humility.
“Frankly, his personality has not changed and it’s really good like that, concluded his ex-coach. I think he’s someone who has remained very simple in what he does, always committed to his process. It means that it is possible to reach the highest levels while remaining the same.