‘We don’t want to let him win every tournament’ – Felix Auger-Aliassime motivated by Carlos Alcaraz
Felix Auger-Aliassime has revealed world No 1 Carlos Alcaraz’s success “awakens his competitive side” and motivates him to “do the right things.”
The world No 12 also declared he and other players on tour do not want to let the Spanish star “win every tournament” following his Wimbledon triumph.
Alcaraz dethroned seven-time champion Novak Djokovic to win the 2023 Wimbledon Championships with a thrilling five-set win in last week’s final. It was the 20-year-old’s second Grand Slam title, following his victory at the 2022 US Open.
The world No 1 is having a superb 2023 season, having won six titles, including two Masters 1000 tournaments – Indian Wells and Madrid. Alcaraz, who has won 12 ATP titles in total, has also won events in Buenos Aires, Barcelona and at Queen’s Club this year.
Auger-Aliassime is one of the few players to hold an impressive record against Alcaraz, having won three of his four encounters with the Spaniard.
In an interview with Le Journal de Montreal, Auger-Aliassime addressed Alcaraz’s triumph over Djokovic in the Wimbledon final.
“It awakens my competitive side. I also allow myself to speak for the other players [on the circuit]. We don’t want to let him win every tournament. It motivates me to do the right things,” revealed the Canadian.
The Canadian, who has seen his progress halted by injury issues this year, discussed his fitness heading into the North American hard-court swing.
“Things are much better. I went to Wimbledon thinking it was going to hold up and I’d be okay. Unfortunately, I felt pain towards the middle of the match,” explained Auger-Aliassime.
“I did what I had to do to heal myself. Right now, my knee is fine. I’m back on the field and I’m ready to fight with the best. When everything is OK physically, I am convinced that I can attack the next tournaments with the same ambitions that I have always had. My standards are not lower.”
The 22-year-old also commented on his victory over 23-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic at the Laver Cup last year.
“My victory against him at the Laver Cup was superb. It gave me a big boost of confidence,” added the world No 12.
Auger-Aliassime is set to return to action at the Citi Open in Washington later this month. The Canadian, who has been ranked as high as world No 6, holds a 13-11 record in 2023.
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