(Provided by Tennis World USA)
Felix Auger-Aliassime failed to make it past the first round at the ATP Masters 1000 in Toronto, where qualifier Max Purcell was waiting for him. A player against whom the young Canadian had already lost two years ago at the Tokyo Olympic Games.In the press conference, Felix talked about his critical period, which has now lasted for several months, precisely since before the Roland Garros 2023.He explained: “I haven’t won many matches lately, there was a bit of tension.
Circumstances are different every time, it doesn’t make sense for me to bring my mind back to the past: I have to focus on the present.”
Match analysis: “I have to serve better”
In the press conference, the Canadian showed himself aware of his current limits and, while acknowledging an improvement in his game, he focused attention on his serve, a weapon that is fundamental to him and which he feels he must improve to find the form of his excellent performance of 2022.The Canadian told: “He played well, serving with high percentages and great accuracy.
I didn’t serve well, especially with the first one; I have to serve better and find a way to improve in return. Compared to the match at the Olympic Games, I feel I have played much better today, felt more confident. He is a difficult player to deal with and I had to do a lot to put him in trouble; I thought he would allow more free mistakes, but he didn’t.”On the difficulties of returning to his levels and finding rhythm again, Auger-Aliassime finally confessed the need to mature and face the insecurity and lack of confidence that sometimes condition him: “It’s part of tennis, that’s okay, but every time it seems like the first; I turned 23, but I feel like when I was 18, with the same emotions. I have to be convinced and not be afraid of losing; whatever happens, do my best.”
