Felix Auger-Aliassime backed to push Novak Djokovic in every area
Mats Wilander has opined that Felix Auger-Aliassime is in the kind of form that will make his hard to stop in Paris, even for the likes of Novak Djokovic.
Felix Auger-Aliassime could face Novak Djokovic if both men reach the championship match.
Auger-Aliassime has won 16 matches in a row after an impressive streak on the indoor circuit.
He will face Holger Rune in the last four while Djkovic will take on either Stefanos Tsitsipas or Tommy Paul in the Paris Masters semis.
Wilander was full of praise for the physicality of the big-serving Canadian.
“It’s an unbelievable thing to win three in a row, it’s an amazing physical effort,” Wilander told Eurosport.
“These tournaments are tournaments where he’s basically beating players that he should beat, and we always knew Felix Auger-Aliassime had it in him to beat players that he’s better than.
“Be very aware, when he’s playing, his serve is absolutely huge, his physicality is that of Novak Djokovic and maybe even a step above, and that doesn’t come lightly under my mouth because I’ve always thought Djokovic was the greatest athlete of any sport.
“But Felix Auger-Aliassime is right up there and would push Novak for his money in every department physically, and that’s unbelievable.”
Wilander feels that the next step for Felix Auger-Aliassime is getting himself in the right space mentally when taking on top players.
“On paper when he’s up against the best players in the world, that’s when he has to start believing he’s as good as them.
“This is just a confidence boost, it couldn’t happen to a better and nicer guy.”
Auger-Aliassime briefly worked with John McEnroe as part of the Rest of the World Laver Cup team and Wilander feels the experience will be a big plus for the youngster.
“I don’t think you can ever put enough value on a player that gets to spend a week with John McEnroe and his brother Patrick McEnroe as a coaching staff at the Laver Cup.
“It’s not like they’re going to change you completely as a player, but there might be a thing or two that they say that you might pick up on that gives you a little confidence.
“I think the motivation factor has always been there for Felix Auger-Aliassime, he’s one of the most motivated human beings that I’ve ever come across, especially on a tennis court and off the court.
“He was maybe missing in the confidence department, and I think maybe having a John McEnroe, and again, I’m not saying that he did say something, but it’s a stepping stone in the right direction.”
READ MORE: Carlos Alcaraz retires handing Holger Rune first Masters semi-final
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