Felix Auger-Aliassime is into the semifinals of the ATP Finals, having beaten Alexander Zverev in a one-match shootout.
Having both won one and lost one of their round robin fixtures, it came down to this final clash.
As such, it was a nervy affair, with neither bringing their best tennis, given so much at stake.
In the end, it was the 25-year-old who came out on top, maintaining his miraculous form that has seen him somehow storm into this remarkable position.
Now, he has the pleasure of facing Carlos Alcaraz for a spot in the coveted final, but he did not seem deterred when asked about that prospect.
Felix Auger-Aliassime previews his ATP Finals match vs Carlos Alcaraz
Speaking live on Sky Sports after his triumphant and decisive victory over Zverev, the Canadian smiled as he admitted: “I think it was a great first set. You know, I thought he was getting a few chances, but I was coming up with good serves every time to save them.
“And I think I just adjusted a few things on the return, and I was able to, you know, make him miss a few serves, and get away with the first set. I thought the first set was very solid. The start of the second was good too, had many chances, and you don’t make those chances, and then you have to deal with kind of, you know, trying to focus back on the present, but still remembering those missed opportunities. You know, that was tough.
“So I think the match got a bit tense from that moment, but luckily, you know, I think it was maybe tense for both of us. I was still able to hold serves, and you know, in the tiebreak, it was tight until the end, and just being able to play two solid points to finish it off.”
Then asked about his upcoming semifinal clash with Carlos Alcaraz, and how he might handle the occasion, Felix Auger-Aliassime continued: “Yeah, with a slam, I think, you know, I think this tournament, obviously, is of very high value for the players, you know, you compete all year, and this is kind of like, the grand finale and anybody who wins this tournament when you see the list of champions, you know, it’s pretty much just world number one’s almost so, you, you want to be in that position, you want to be in the finals.”
He finished by previewing tomorrow’s match, whilst sending a warning to the Spaniard: “But yeah, I’m going to have to go through a great player to do that. So lots of respect for him, but, you know, I’m going to take my chance if I have it.”
Felix Auger-Aliassime could have a breakthrough year in 2026
Whilst Auger-Aliassime has already broken through onto the tour, as a young prodigy destined for greatness, a lack of form and fitness prevented him from becoming the dominant force many felt he might.
Instead, he languished, routinely losing early in big events and seldom making a splash on the ATP Tour.
Where do you think Felix Auger-Aliassime will finish the year ranked next year?
To put into perspective just how highly-rated he once was, John McEnroe predicted Auger-Aliassime to win a Grand Slam title back in 2023 within 18 months.
Six months ago, that notion seemed laughable. Now, 2026 seems like a realistic opportunity for him to achieve that goal.
Tomorrow’s ATP Finals semifinal with Alcaraz will offer an intriguing opportunity to really see where his game stacks up against the very calibre of opponent he will need to beat to achieve that dream.
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