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Felix Auger-Aliassime is enjoying a brilliant second half of the season, though he felt that it could be better if he was able to cruise through his matches like Jannik Sinner. He is currently competing at the ATP Finals 2025, when he lost to Sinner 7-5, 6-1 in his first match of the group stage.
Auger-Aliassime then staged a comeback to beat Ben Shelton 4-6, 7-6 (7), 7-5 in his next group tie. He improved his record in deciding set matches to 20-8 with the win. During his post-match press conference, he was quizzed about his impressive record in deciding sets, as well as tie-breaks.
Auger-Aliassime stated that it is expected to be dragged into a tussle at the highest level of the sport. While he would love to dispatch players without breaking a sweat like Sinner, for most players a tough fight is the norm.
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"I mean, as a player, you know you will get into difficult and tight situations at this level. I mean, I would love to win every match in straight sets, maybe the way Sinner does, right (smiling)? For most of us players, it's like, especially at this level, you will be in tight situations when it comes down to it," Auger-Aliassime said.
As far as his own record in deciders is concerned, Auger-Aliassime usually narrows it down to critical points. He knows one specific point can turn the tide in his favor, and he tries to play that point without any errors.
"I try to prepare myself when I practice or mentally to sometimes put a certain challenge or certain importance on that specific point or that specific ball. I try to be, Okay, on this rally I want to be really precise, not make any mistakes," Auger-Aliassime said.
Auger-Aliassime's win over Shelton has kept him in contention for a semifinal spot at the ATP Finals. He will face Alexander Zverev in his final group tie, with the winner proceeding to the last four.
Felix Auger-Aliassime and Alexander Zverev bidding for the remaining semifinal spot from Bjorn Borg Group at ATP Finals 2025
Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev, Ben Shelton and Felix Auger-Aliassime were drawn in group Bjorn Borg at the ATP Finals 2025. Sinner won both of his matches in straight sets, thus advancing to the semifinals as the leader of the group.
Shelton lost his first two matches, bringing an end to his campaign. He will contest a dead rubber against Sinner on Friday, November 14. However, the other match between Auger-Aliassime and Zverev will decide the second semifinalist from the group.
Zverev leads their rivalry 6-3, though Auger-Aliassime won their most recent meeting at the US Open 2025 in four sets. The former has won the ATP Finals twice in the past, while the latter bowed out in the group stage in his only prior appearance in 2022.
