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'I’m seeing my game moving in the right direction,' Felix Auger-Aliassime motivated despite finishing as runners-up in the Madrid Open

Originally posted on FirstSportz | By Nikhil Sonmali | Last updated 5/6/24

Canadian star Felix Auger-Aliassime reached his maiden Madrid Open finals but fell ultimately to a ferocious Andrey Rublev. Despite losing the title, the 23-year-old remains motivated and proud of his game.

Auger-Aliassime had enjoyed a surprising Madrid campaign after benefitting from a walkover and two mid-match retirements to reach the finals. However, he earned his biggest win in the Round of 16 by defeating Barcelona Open champion Casper Ruud in straight sets. The victory was his first Top 10 win of the year.

In the final, the Canadian began well winning the first set 6-4. He saved eight of his 11 break points and his 14 aces kept the match tight for two hours and 49 minutes. But Rublev prevailed 4-6, 7-5, 7-5 to clinch his second Masters 1000 title in Madrid. Besides that, the 23-year-old earned 15 points made him climb to No. 20 in the ATP Live rankings.

However, despite the loss, Auger-Aliassime took things in good stride.

Left it all out there yesterday but Andrey deserved this one. Nothing but respect to be given for you as an athlete and a person. I’m proud to see my game moving in the right direction and motivated to see where the rest of this season takes me. Felix Auger-Aliassime wrote on his X (formerly known as Twitter) page

Left it all out there yesterday but Andrey deserved this one Nothing but respect to be given for you as an athlete and a person ❤️
I’m proud to see my game moving in the right direction and motivated to see where the rest of this season takes me

: @mutuamadridopen pic.twitter.com/XUqSCow3BR
— Félix AugerAliassime (@felixtennis) May 6, 2024

Felix Augar-Alliassime‘s focus now turns to the Italian Open in Rome. Last year, he exited in the second round of the final clay Masters of the season, losing to Australian Alexei Popyrin.

Felix Auger-Aliassime hopes to build on fine form in Rome

Auger-Aliassime will be hoping to continue his fine form in Rome. The Canadian has been handed a bye for the first-round match but could likely face former World No. 3 Stan Wawrinka in his second-round tie, while Alex de Minaur awaits him in the third round.

The Canadian revealed that he will use the Madrid tactics for the Rome Masters tournament, as he hopes to enjoy it despite the pressure of finishing well after earning runners-up in Madrid.

Rome is the same thing. I feel like it's a tournament where I have had good memories, as well, in the past. I'm going to try to just keep going, keep doing the things I'm doing well, not put too much pressure, expectations that I need to be perfect, and enjoy. Enjoy the days and learn from the downs, stay cool and take it easy. Felix Auger-Aliassime said post Madrid Open finals

Auger-Aliassime has only got past the quarterfinals once this season. He returns to the Top-20 after dropping in October last year. Rome will be a big test for the 23-year-old.

This article first appeared on FirstSportz and was syndicated with permission.

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