Felix Auger-Aliassime fell agonisingly short of another ATP Tour title after losing the Paris Masters final to Jannik Sinner.
Sinner praised Auger-Aliassime’s serving after winning their final 6-4, 7-6(7-4) in the French capital, where the Italian claimed his 23rd ATP title.
Five of those titles have arrived in the current season, in which Auger-Aliassime is a three-time champion.
The Canadian emerged victorious in Adelaide, Montpellier and Brussels before falling just short at the Paris Masters.
Felix Auger-Aliassime sends message to Jannik Sinner after their Paris Masters final
Despite the loss, Auger-Aliassime has shown his class with a heartfelt message to Sinner in the aftermath of their latest battle.
He posted on Instagram: “A truly beautiful week of fighting here in Paris. Grateful for my team and family for being a massive support that inspires me to reach moments like this.
“It was a true privilege to play in front of such a beautiful crowd at an event that continues to step it up for the players each and every year.
“Lastly, my biggest congratulations to Jannik and the whole team. You deserve every positive thing coming your way and drive all of us to improve each year. From FIFA to now… I hope the battles only continue.”
Felix Auger-Aliassime rises Race to Turin rankings after Paris Masters final
Auger-Aliassime’s final reference epitomised just how close the duo are, with the pair having played PlayStation together all the way back in 2019.
They have enjoyed fantastic careers since that moment, and neither looks like slowing down anytime soon.
That is particularly true of Sinner, who has also just stolen the world number one ranking spot back from Carlos Alcaraz.
He won the Paris Masters without dropping a single set, and is now on a 26-match winning run on indoor courts.
Of course, Sinner could not have clinched his fifth ATP Masters 1000 title without his team, whom he embraced afterwards.
He clearly enjoys a close relationship with his entire group, and as Auger-Aliassime alluded to, is really setting the standard for the other players on the court.
Further success is possible later this month at the ATP Finals, for which Sinner has qualified, while Auger-Aliassime has just climbed to eighth in the Race to Turin rankings.
Aiming for a second appearance at the ATP Finals, the Canadian now has a 160-point lead over Lorenzo Musetti, who is in action this week at the Hellenic Championship in Athens.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
