Felix Auger-Aliassime is glad to be back home in Montreal for some tennis in Canada, especially after grabbing a medal for his country at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The Canadian arrived in Paris without any ambitions after some below-average weeks on the ATP Tour in weeks prior. However, he produced a really strong level overall to win some notable matches in both singles and mixed doubles.
In the singles, Auger-Aliassime downed one of the medal favorites, Casper Ruud, to reach the semi-final. He lost to Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-final and then to Lorenzo Musetti in a tight three-set match for the bronze medal but was able to win a medal in the mixed doubles.
Auger-Aliassime teamed up with Gabriela Dabrowski in the mixed doubles, and they played some great tennis to win the bronze medal for their country. It was a hugely significant moment for Auger-Aliassime, who fondly recalled the week in Paris after touching down in his hometown of Montreal.
It has been a great period for the Canadian, as he will turn 24 on Thursday, and it's amazing that he can celebrate in his hometown of Montreal while playing tennis at the ATP Masters 1000 event.
"It was a week filled with beautiful emotions. I’m proud to have contributed to the success of the Canadian team at the Games. A lot of pride returning here to Montreal. The Olympics is a special tournament."
While the whole experience was hugely emotional and significant for Auger-Aliassime, it has also been quite hectic. The tennis schedule is fast-paced, with players sometimes having to play two or three matches in one day.
Auger-Aliassime hasn't gotten to sleep much recently, but returning home to Montreal comforts him. It's a unique opportunity to be able to play a tennis event in the town where he grew up, and for Auger-Aliassime, it just gives him a lot of energy, not pressure, as some might think.
There is a lot of motivation to do well for obvious reasons, and with how he's played in Paris, it's not unthinkable.
"I haven’t slept normally these last few days but to come to Montreal, it gives me a lot of energy more than a pressure. I’m very motivated. I couldn’t train too much with the rain but to see everyone that was present, it did me good and brought a smile to my face. I hope to push more. There will be time later in the season to have a rest. Now it’s the time to continue to play well."
The draw is a bit weaker with Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz not playing at the 2024 Canadian Open. That gives other players a better chance of succeeding, and Auger-Aliassime is undoubtedly among those who could do some damage.
Fatigue will play a factor, but overall, the Canadian should be able to find some energy and inspiration. After all, he's feeling pretty good after the Olympics.
"They are wins that will do me a lot of good. A lot of good to achieve (wins) against players like this who troubled me in the past, Medvedev notably. It’s true that I believed I could do it but to achieve it in a tournament so important, it brings me a lot of confidence."
Subscribed successfully
0 Comments