This is the case for the second time in a row‘World team, which once again included the Quebecer Félix Auger-Aliassime, who won the Laver Cup Sunday in Vancouver.
Félix as well as the Argentinian Francisco Cerundolo and the Americans Tommy Paul, Frances Tiafoe, Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton (the latter, 20 years old, must have been happy that the legal minimum drinking age is no longer 21 years old , (like at home) celebrated their overwhelming 13:2 victory with champagne straight from the glass.
The Canadian Milos Raonic, who traveled to Vancouver as a replacement, set the place on fire with a dance under the eyes of the doubtful and astonished Andy Murray.
The Laver Cup is a friendly team competition that was founded 6 years ago by a certain Roger Federer and for which no ATP points are awarded. The spirit is somewhat reminiscent of the Davis Cup as teammates cheer each other on during games.
During this honorary tournament last year, the Swiss legend also played the last match of his illustrious career in London, where he played doubles alongside his greatest rival, Spaniard Rafael Nadal.
However, the duel between the World Team and the Europe Team had lost some of its luster this year precisely due to the absence of Federer, Nadal (still injured) and Novak Djokovic.
Felix wanted more seriousness
However, there was a small controversy on Friday when Félix criticized his opponent, Frenchman Gaël Monfils, for a lack of seriousness in the confrontation, which the world 14th eventually won 6-4 6-3.
After overturning the same linesman’s decision twice, Monfils decided to show off by sitting behind him and showing him the number two with his fingers.
“FAA”, who was waiting to serve at the time, didn’t like that, even though the atmosphere of this competition is more relaxed than a “real” game on the track.
He appealed to the referee that Monfils was not respecting the rules. The Frenchman visited him and explained that he had been asked to entertain the crowd.
“I wanted to make it clear to the referee that I have to respect the time between points or before my serve, and not try to disrupt the game within the rules of the game, but want to keep up,” she continued, Auger-Aliassime explained he clearly wanted this victory, he who has been going through difficult times on the field for several months.
“It’s a shame that things continued like this with Gaël because he’s someone I like,” the 23-year-old added to TVA Sports. I didn’t have a problem with him on the pitch or off the pitch. It’s a shame that there will be some tension for a few days. »
Félix was then able to take revenge in an elegant way, because on Saturday he scored a second point for his team at the expense of Monfils, this time in doubles, alongside Shelton.
“A good state of mind”
However, this little controversy shouldn’t stay with the Quebecer for too long, as he instead hopes to bank on these two victories to restart his difficult season.
“The year has been complicated so far,” he recalled. But this week I had a lot of fun on the court and played good tennis with my team. Winning is always a good feeling. I will try to use this good energy for the future. »
“I’m in good shape,” added Félix, who will now travel to Asia.