In 2022, the difference between Félix Auger-Aliassime before and after the Laver Cup was simply incredible. This season is much more difficult for the Quebecer, he desperately needs to regain his confidence.
The 2023 edition of this tournament, which pits the best European tennis players against stars from the rest of the world, begins on Friday at Rogers Arena in Vancouver. Watch all the action on TVA Sports starting at 4 p.m.
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Last year, Auger-Aliassime was the star of his delegation, and the world team finally won its first edition after four defeats.
“For me and for Frances [Tiafoe] who was able to win the match to confirm our victory. I remember it was a special day because I won the doubles with Jack at the beginning [Sock]and I beat Novak [Djokovic]. It kept us alive and we took the lead. It was a big win for my season, a confidence boost,” the 23-year-old said on the Laver Cup website earlier this week.
“FAA” was so full of self-confidence that he then won the tournaments in Florence, Antwerp and Basel in quick succession. He climbed to sixth place in the world rankings and qualified for the ATP Finals.
In 2023, the Montrealer will be significantly less crucial. He has a record of 14-15 and fell to 14th place. He will have to defend many points in the rankings in the coming weeks.
Pleasant format
It’s better to think of the positives for Auger-Aliassime, whose professionalism was praised by his colleagues on the world team. He will open the competition on Friday against Frenchman Gaël Monfils.
“I think the format is a great idea for tennis fans and us players. We don’t often get the opportunity to play with these great players. We always play against each other. You can win together, not only with your compatriots but also with guys from other countries,” he said.
Auger-Aliassime will work with Americans Taylor Fritz, Frances Tiafoe, Tommy Paul and Ben Shelton, as well as Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo, all members of the top 25. Team Europe will count on Russia’s Andrey Rublev, Norway’s Casper Ruud and Poland’s Hubert Hurcacz , the Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina and the French Arthur Fils and Gaël Monfils.
“It’s nice to get closer to these guys, share great moments and be able to say that they are my teammates for a whole weekend,” admitted the Quebecer. I think we’ll have great stories and good times. »
Let’s also remember that tennis legends Björn Borg and John McEnroe are the respective captains of Team Europe and Team World.
Watch Frédérique Guay’s contribution to the show in the video above JiCTHURSDAY.