Montreal rising tennis star Félix Auger-Aliassime has triumphed in a thrilling match at the US Open, defeating No. 8 seed Alex de Minaur in four sets to secure a spot in the tournament’s semifinals. This achievement marks Auger-Aliassime’s first semifinal appearance at Flushing Meadows since 2021.
Simon Larose, a well-known tennis coach from Montreal who has known Auger-Aliassime since a young age, shared his insights on the young player’s remarkable journey. Larose expressed confidence in Auger-Aliassime’s potential, stating that when Félix is in his zone and plays without overthinking, he has the ability to compete among the top players in the world.
Larose, a former professional tennis player and director of the High Performance Program at the Club Sportif Côte de Liesse CDL tennis club, highlighted the impact of inspirational stories like Auger-Aliassime’s on aspiring young athletes in Montreal. He mentioned how success stories such as Victoria Mboko’s recent victory at the National Bank Open have motivated and elevated the aspirations of young players in the region.
The coach emphasized the positive influence of role models like Genie Bouchard and Mboko on emerging talents like Sophia Xie, a 15-year-old tennis player under Larose’s guidance. Xie shared her admiration for these accomplished athletes and their unwavering belief in their abilities, which serves as a source of inspiration for her own development as a player.
Looking ahead, Auger-Aliassime is set to face the formidable challenge of world No. 1 and defending US Open champion Jannik Sinner in the upcoming semifinal match. Larose acknowledged the tough task ahead for Félix, emphasizing the need for exceptional serving and strategic gameplay to overcome Sinner’s dominant form on the court.
As the anticipation builds for the crucial semifinal showdown, Larose stressed the importance of the mental aspect of the game for Auger-Aliassime. He underlined the necessity for Félix to stay resilient, find ways to win, and maintain a positive mindset throughout the demanding competition.
Auger-Aliassime himself remains focused and determined, recognizing the tough battles that lie ahead but expressing readiness to face the challenges head-on. The highly anticipated semifinal clash is scheduled to commence at 7 p.m. in New York, promising an exciting showdown between two talented players at the top of their game.
