Happy Auger-Also keep going on the Miami Open 2023 after beating a Thiago Monteiro who has disputed every point with him in straight sets. The Canadian player, number 6 in the world, is happy with his game after that first victory in the second Masters 1000 of the year. Felix talks to the Tennis Channel to discuss the various conditions regarding Indian Wells and expresses his love for tennis.
One more battle with Monteiro
“Somehow I found a way to beat him, because the game started to last too long,” Felix said with a laugh. “Two sets, 2 hours and 40 minutes, it was the longest two-set match I’ve played in my entire career. It has been very complicated, it has made me work. Monteiro is a great rival, a great fighter, and nothing was easy on the track today.
Thiago and I have always had great battles, but it was felt at the end of the second set that it became difficult for both of us, with the heat and on a physical level. In the end I had the opportunities, but he has signed great serves, incredible forehands, he drew energy from the public and he has played at his best level when he needed it. It has been very electrifying to have this crowd in my first game here”.
¿Indian Wells o Miami?
“I much prefer playing at the Miami Open. It doesn’t mean that I’m going to play better or better than the result I did in Indian Wells (quarterfinal). We’ll see how it goes, but since I got to the training track I felt that the conditions were much better for me. On the night of the quarterfinals it was a bit cold and windy. In Indian Wells I feel that the conditions are tough for everyone, very changeable depending on what time you play”.
Love/hate relationship with tennis
“When I say it’s a love/hate relationship, the hate is because I hate losing as a competitor. It’s a very real part of tennis, every week. It’s very difficult to get a win, to get a title, so most of the time you end up losing. Most of the time I go back to training and love tennis again. I am very happy for my level of play, for the point in which I am in my career and I feel blessed to be able to dedicate myself to this sport. It is a dream come true”.
