Félix Auger-Aliassime reached a turning point by winning his first ATP title of his career in Rotterdam last month, in his ninth single final.
But the spark that ignited this year ignited in Indian Wells last October.
This after a defeat in the first round, 6-4, 6-2 by the Spaniard Albert Ramos-Viñolas.
It’s not that the 21-year-old Quebec lost on his own, nor that he made seven double faults. It is more of a mental aspect.
“It’s funny because although the victories are very important, I feel that this defeat was a bit of an awakening. I had just played very well in New York and reached the semifinals. And I came here thinking it would continue, Auger-Aliassime said on Friday.
“I felt like I ruined my vigilance a bit – like I slapped my face to say, ‘Hello, it’s not going to be that easy.’
Auger-Aliassime lost the first set, then went downhill. He had no fighting spirit, he was not trying to find solutions.
Auger-Aliassime played indoors in Vienna, Paris and Stockholm before finishing his season. But that day in the desert, something struck.
“My mentality changed shortly after that game. I had a conversation with my team. And a conversation with myself, too, said Auger-Aliassime.
“I told myself I could not afford to play like that anymore. There are always small steps in a career. I will not forget that game and the discussions that followed.
Auger-Aliassime arrived in Australia for the 2022 season somewhat transformed.
He won against players who gave him headaches.
He went a long way in a third major tournament in a row, reaching the quarterfinals in Melbourne.
A few weeks later, in Rotterdam, it all culminated with his first title.
The following week, the Canadian reached the final next week in Marseille.
Auger-Aliassime was able to make a short stop at his home in Montreal for a week, en route from Europe to California.
Lack of time at home is something he now feels he may have underestimated. he was still so young when the decision was made to move to Monaco.
On the tennis side, it’s obvious. The weather is much better. He can also train with other high level players living in the area.
When the ATP is in Europe, his home is not far away if there are only a few days left between tournaments.
But the house is still a house. Auger-Aliassime thought he might be there more often. Instead, his family goes to see him.
With all this, a week in the known he did very well.
“I had obligations, but also personal things I wanted to do with friends or just with my family – dinner with my grandmother, things like that,” he said.
“And I trained in the morning at the IGA Stadium. “It was so rewarding to be back in Montreal and see people I don’t see often.”
Auger-Aliassime, number 9, took part in a first Masters 1000 qualifying for the Indian Wells four years ago.
He defeated compatriot Vasek Pospisil in the first round before losing in the second round to another Canadian, Milos Raonic.
This year, tournament winner and top 10 player, comes with a very different mentality.
Holder in the first round, his first opponent will be Botic Van de Zandschulp or Tennys Sandgren on Sunday.
“I remain aware that in order to win, I have to play well. “The key points of my game – my service, my precision, my moves – all have to be in place,” said Auger-Aliassime.
“But I come here with very different ambitions from three or two years ago. I am one of the players who has to go further, even if there are going to be difficult matches from the beginning.
“I think the difference is that I have more composure, confidence and self-confidence.
