Felix Auger-Aliassime ‘loves playing in Italy’ as he edges towards Turin
Felix Auger-Aliassime is a small step closer to becoming the first Canadian to qualify for the season-ending ATP Finals in singles since Milos Raonic with his first win at the Firenze Open.
The top seed in Florence defeated Germany’s Oscar Otte 6-4, 6-7 (2-7), 6-2 in just under an hour and a half on court. After leading comfortably with a break in the second set, the 22-year-old stumbled to let Otte back in.
“It was a great start,” Auger-Aliassime said in his on court interview. “I played a great first set and until the middle of the second set. And then after, sometimes that’s how it is in tennis. You get nervous a little bit.
“Of course I would have loved to close the match in two sets. But the most important thing is I was able to bounce back and to come back playing some good tennis in the third set.
“With my strength, with my serve, with my physical abilities I try to always go forward. That’s the way I commit to the game and how I play so again today I was trying to do that. I did well, sometimes missing a little bit. But that’s ok, it’s going to get better.”
Felix Auger-Aliassime is currently eighth in the live ATP Race to Turin. With Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic officially qualified, only three spots remain at the elite event. Taylor Fritz currently occupies the final spot with 2,885 points. Auger-Aliassime trails that by just 25 points after downing Otte.
Later addressing the gathered crowd, the world number 13 expressed his excitement at playing in a new part of the country.
“I always love playing in Italy,” he said. “I came when I was young. 11, 12 years old, playing everywhere in Italy. I love playing in Rome, and this was the first time I’ve played in this region. So its’ great to come here for the first time. I’m loving my time here.”
Despite thrice qualifying for the Next Gen ATP Finals in Milan, Felix Auger-Aliassime never competed in the 21 and under event while eligible.
? Free >> Join our legendary newsletter
? Join >> Receive $700/£600 of tennis gear from the Tennishead CLUB
? Social >> Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & YouTube
? Read >> World’s best tennis magazine
? Watch >> How to enjoy ATP/WTA/Slam tennis on TV
? Shop >> Lowest price tennis gear from our trusted partner