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Felix Auger-Aliassime is going through a serious period of technical crisis and, before the end of the season, he wants to try to regain his lost confidence, starting with the ATP 500 in Tokyo. The Canadian tennis player had to deal with several physical problems, including shoulder problems, and had a disappointing season.
At the Japan Open, Auger-Aliassime returned to win two consecutive matches: this hadn't happened since the last edition of the Masters 1000 in Indian Wells. The 23-year-old from Montreal defeated Aleksandar Vukic on his debut and then overcame Sebastian Ofner in the round of 16, winning with a resounding 6-4, 6-1.
His next opponent will be qualifier Marcos Giron, who eliminated number two seed Casper Ruud in straight sets.
The Canadian's statements
The Canadian wants to change pace and is convinced that performances like the one against Ofner can give him back some of that lost confidence. Auger-Aliassime believes he can raise his head again and has the level to achieve important results on the ATP Tour.
"The season has gone like this so far. I need results like this. I believe in my game and in myself. I think I have everything I need to win at this level. I have already demonstrated this in the past; it's about believing in your potential and being positive.
I'm happy that my level is transferring to the pitch after a couple of months and I can't wait to play the next match. I will try to win again. It's always nice when I play like this. I enjoy doing these performances. I'm still young and I'm trying to enjoy every moment," he said, during an interview with the ATP website.
In the bottom half of the draw, in addition to Auger-Aliassime and Giron, Tommy Paul and Ben Shelton also gained access to the quarterfinals.
The two know each other very well and will create an interesting American derby in Tokyo. The calculation of direct clashes is in perfect parity. Paul won in the quarterfinals at the Australian Open, while Shelton took revenge in the round of 16 of the US Open.