Felix Auger-Aliassime has admitted he is pleased to be rewarded after overcoming a ‘terrible’ last 12 months in his career.
The Canadian is into his first Masters 1000 final having benefited from three withdrawals.
However Auger-Aliassime did also have to beat Barcelona champion Casper Ruud on his way to a final showdown with Andrey Rublev.
For the 23 year-old this week is a reward for a lot of patience as Auger-Aliassime described his ‘terrible’ last 12 months, “Yes, now I’m in the final here,” the Canadian proudly told tennismajors.
“But sport moves fast. I think all sports go fast. I think the world moves fast in general (smiles). I think you get carried away very quickly and forget very quickly, too, when bad things happen.
“A year and a half ago, I was sixth in the world. Then, last year, I had a terrible year. Now I’m getting back on track and I’m playing better and better.
“It’s great to have the chance to play in a final. I feel like I’ve stayed consistent with my desire to play and improve and not get frustrated when things get tougher, and so I’m happy that, yes, life or tennis is smiling on me again, yes.”
Auger-Aliassime’s improvement has been rewarded as the Canadian will return to the world’s top 20 at minimum.
Now he will look to win his first Masters 1000 title when he takes on Andrey Rublev in Sunday’s final.
Rublev currently leads the head-to-head 4-1 heading into Sunday’s clash.
