Felix Auger-Aliassime has found form at the perfect time, as he makes his presence felt in New York.
The Canadian star made a fast start at Flushing Meadows, taking down Billy Harris and Roman Safiullin in straight sets to reach the US Open third round.
There, Auger-Aliassime stunned Alexander Zverev in four sets, securing one of the biggest Grand Slam wins of his career.
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Backing that up with another strong performance against Andrey Rublev, the 25-year-old advanced to the quarterfinals.
Recovering from a set down, Auger-Aliassime defeated Alex de Minaur, 4-6, 7-6, 7-5, 7-6, to book his place in the last four.
Reacting to the Canadian’s impressive win, Marion Bartoli recalled what Auger-Aliassime’s former coach, Toni Nadal, said to her a few weeks ago.
Toni Nadal told Marion Bartoli that he gave Felix Auger-Aliassime ‘everything’ when they worked together
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Bartoli shared what the Spaniard told her before the US Open began.
“I was actually at Rafa’s academy three weeks ago with Toni [Nadal], to practice with a junior, and we spent a lot of time speaking about Felix and the fact that for one year Toni was on the court coaching him,” she said.
“He just told me, look, I might not be able to bring him where he wanted. He wanted to be number one in the world. I thought at the time it was difficult because Rafa [Nadal] was still playing and Novak [Djokovic] was there, and Carlos [Alcaraz] and Jannik [Sinner].
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“But I gave him everything that I knew and that Rafa taught me over the years.
“I felt that it is always incredibly important to find some people who can bring maybe 3, 4, 5 percent [extra] and to be able to take that on board and on the court with you, and it’s going to make a massive difference.
“I’m so glad for Felix, he is able to go back to him when he needs to.”
Auger-Aliassime no doubt remembered some of Nadal’s teachings during the crucial moments of his quarterfinal, as he edged past De Minaur in a ‘nervous’ match.
Felix Auger-Aliassime admits his win over Alex de Minaur was ‘not pretty’
During his on-court interview, Auger-Aliassime was commendably honest about his performance on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
“It was a lot of nerves today during the whole match,” he said.
“It was not pretty at all times, but that’s what Grand Slam matches are.
“Some days you won’t feel your best, but I was willing to dig deep and do everything I can to stand here right now.”
The Canadian was then asked how it feels qualifying for his second US Open semifinal, four years after his first.
“It feels amazing. Four years ago, it feels like more honestly!” said Auger-Aliassime.
“It was a tough couple of years, but it feels even better now to be back in the semifinals.
“Thank you so much. It’s been an amazing tournament so far. It’s not over, there is still some tennis to play and the biggest challenges are yet to come, but that’s what I love and train for, so I am going to show up and be ready for my match on Friday.”
Auger-Aliassime lost to Daniil Medvedev in his maiden US Open semifinal in 2021, but will be hoping for a better outcome when he plays either Jannik Sinner or Lorenzo Musetti on Friday, September 5.
Mark Woodforde praises Felix Auger-Aliassime for ‘keeping his head down’
Weighing in with his thoughts on BBC Radio 5 Live, former doubles star Mark Woodforde gave his verdict on Auger-Aliassime and De Minaur’s quarterfinal clash.
“Gutsy play, both players. Had to try and survive with a bunch of nerves out there,” he said.
“Alex de Minaur up an early set and a break before Auger-Aliassime started to find his game, I’m not sure if he ever located his game, but at the crucial junctures of the match, at the back end of sets two, three, and four, he was able to utilise his weapons, the strengths that have helped him arrive to today’s match, and they really did shine.
“Getting some cheap points, crucial points behind that serve and forehand. He never lost composure, even from a set and a break down, he just kept his head down and worked hard.”
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Woodforde then suggested what Auger-Aliassime’s recovery may look like as he prepares for his second career Slam semifinal.
“He is a physical specimen, he’s a well-built individual,” he said.
“I know he’s gone through some injury concerns over the last couple of seasons, but I would think from the moment he steps off the court, the process of recovery [begins], in order to give himself the best opportunity in his next match, whether that means not laying eyes on the Musetti/Sinner match, leave that to his trusty team, and I’m sure they’ll come up with a gameplan for the next round.”
Sinner and Musetti will play their quarterfinal match in the night session on Wednesday, September 3.