KAREN MORAN / SENT
PHOTOS: KAREN MORAN
Being born on the same day as Roger Federer is nothing more than a coincidence in the life of Felix Auger-Aliassime, although it was something that excited him as a child, the love he feels for tennis goes beyond birthdays on the same day that his idol is an acquired inheritance, his father was a coach that was his first approach to the slopes. From a very young age he had the conviction to become a professional, he knew it, and although his mother insisted that he have comprehensive training, he was aware that travel the world with a racket it was his destiny.
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“Well, it was already clear to me from the 6 or 7 years I wanted to be a professional tennis player, my father was a coach, even he’s still a coach, and it was always my dream, I never changed my mind, I never wanted to do anything else. It’s amazing that, looking back, there is no time where I didn’t want to be a player, where I didn’t want to try to get to the place I am now, I guess I’m lucky to find my passion at such a young age. Being able to succeed has always been my goal”; told the number 9 tennis player in the world in an exclusive chat with ESTO.
What has been achieved so far is no accident. Felix grew up in Canadahis mother is originally from Quebec, but his father is an immigrant from Togo, one of the smallest countries on the African continent with only approximately 8 million inhabitants, the above taught him that success in life and tennis is a consequence of effort, work and sacrifice.
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“My childhood was good in general, my mother is from Quebec, Canada and my father is from Togo, they both worked hard as parents to be able to bring a good life to my sister and me, during that time they taught us valuable lessons about work ethic, discipline, self-belief, things that since childhood have accompanied me and continue with me today,” he explained.
“I had a good childhood, although I played a lot of tennis I managed to have a balance at that time. I could not be more grateful for what my parents have done for me, especially towards my father, where he came from, the things he sacrificed, the hard times he went through, I think his perseverance inspired me as a child, he continued.
Internalizing the value of sacrifice from a young age led Felix, at 21, to become one of the promises to inherit the throne that they have already shared for several years Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. When he was just 19 he became the youngest finalist since 2019, he did it at the Rio tournament and later that year he broke into the top 100, also breaking a record at his young age; Although the above could be a burden for an average tennis player, for him it is an inspiration, but above all, the sign that he is on the right track.
🇨🇦 @felixtennis He already had his first training in Cabo 😎🔥🌵 #ATC2022 | #StrongerThanEver pic.twitter.com/QZHESQQXRS
– Mifel Tennis Open (@AbiertoLosCabos) July 28, 2022
“I consider that I have dealt with expectations in a good way because I have always stayed true to myself, I have remained the person I have always been and I have had people close to me. At the end of the day you only want to maintain a good relationship with the people who are important to you. Now, speaking of tennis, the expectations, at least those of others, are not greater than my own expectations, I believe in myself to be able to achieve important things within the sport, so the pressure is something that I have to deal with yes or yes , and it’s something I’ve learned in recent years,” he said.
This year, after losing eight finals in a row, Felix Auger-Aliassime was crowned in Rotterdamhis first title was a 500, now in Los Cabos, he will look for the 250 that has been denied him.
“My first victory in Mexico it would be great. I decided to come here because I heard many good things about the organization of the tournament, the place which is beautiful. I decided to come earlier to train and get used to the conditions, although there is a lot of water, the climate is somewhat dry, like a desert, although with its differences”, he said.
Hello Los Cabos👋🏽🌵 pic.twitter.com/wQaCnUc6nM
— Felix AugerAliassime (@felixtennis) August 1, 2022
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‘Uncle Toni’ revolutionized his game
Part of Felix’s growth in recent months has to do with the arrival of Toni Nadal to your team. Although hard work has always been present in his training, the contribution of the new coach, who forged Rafa’s legacy, has revolutionized his game, but also his mind.
“I would say that mentally he has given me much more confidence through sharing talks, going to tournaments and spending time with me. He really makes me believe that I have what it takes to accomplish my goals. He has always been very positive with me and of course it is also thanks to the hard work and high standards that he has as a coach, he has always been very supportive”, he explained.
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The results alongside Toni pay off in the race Auger-AlissimeFor the moment, the Canadian will continue to work hand in hand with him, always with his sights set on meeting new goals.
“I think that is everything you want from someone, he has been a great support for me and for my teamwe have learned from their experiences and stories, resulting in a good partnership”, he concluded.
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