‘It’s true!’ – Felix Auger-Aliassime reveals congratulations from Roger Federer
Felix Auger-Aliassime has confirmed that he received a message of congratulations from none other than Roger Federer after securing his long-awaited first ATP title in Rotterdam.
After losing his first eight ATP finals, all in straight sets, the 21-year-old was dialled in against Stefanos Tsitsipas to win 6-4, 6-2 and claim his maiden title, at ATP 500 level no less.
The emotion of the victory was not lost on Auger-Aliassime as he shared the moment with his team before video calling his father to enjoy it with him.
After basking in the joy of his first tour triumph, the young Canadian sat down to talk about the experience, including revealing that Federer messaged him soon after the win.
“It’s true!” Auger-Aliassime told We Love Tennis on Instagram Live.
“Roger [Federer] sent me a little message.
“He just told me in English ‘I’m happy for you, well done.'”
Since the pair share the same birthday of 8th August, Federer is exactly 19 years Auger-Aliassime’s senior.
As well as 18 years more life experience, Federer has vastly more experience winning ATP singles titles, boasting 103 to his name.
On the related subject of acceptance speeches, Auger-Aliassime admitted that he was unprepared to give one when asked by the interviewer.
“I didn’t prepare anything,” he said.
“Funny you say that because there were times in finals before, I think like one time, it got into my mind.
“I was like ‘what if I win, what am I going to say?’
“But this time around it didn’t come up in my mind at all.”
🔴 Le vainqueur du tournoi de Rotterdam @felixtennis était en live hier avec nous sur Instagram. Voici le best-of de cette passionnante conversation. pic.twitter.com/c7h4FiSKOI
— We Are Tennis France (@WeAreTennisFR) February 16, 2022
Auger-Aliassime plays in Marseille next, facing former world number five Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in his first match there.
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