It is not often the fifth seed at the Nitto ATP Finals enters the season finale with the most momentum of any player in the field. However, that is the case for Felix Auger-Aliassime.
The Canadian arrives in Turin playing the best tennis of his career. Before the ATP 250 in Florence last month, the 22-year-old owned one ATP Tour title. He then rattled off 16 consecutive victories and captured three trophies along the way in Florence, Antwerp and Basel.
“There’s not really a specific moment when it clicked,” Auger-Aliassime told ATPTour.com. “But I can say after the first title, I felt like, ‘If I keep playing this way, I’ll give myself a chance to win more’.”
Auger-Aliassime has dominated with a not-so-secret weapon. The 6’4” righty has powered past opponents behind the strength of his serve, winning 95 per cent of his service games (167/175) during his winning streak. He has won 86 per cent of his service games for the year.
Felix hit 175 aces during the 16-match stretch and saved 31 of the 39 break points (79%) he faced.
“Nothing changed. I think I’ve been serving well if you look at other matches, tournaments I’ve played in the past. I feel like I’ve always had the qualities to be one of the good servers on Tour. But it’s been very consistent,” Auger-Aliassime said. “Of course it helps to play indoors, no wind, no different conditions, so if you find your rhythm and you feel like you’re serving well, you’re able to keep that consistent. That’s been a big key.”
Former World No. 4 Brad Gilbert has followed Auger-Aliassime’s hot play closely. The renowned coach has noticed improvement in one particular aspect of the Canadian’s serve.
“The big thing I noticed this year early in the year from Felix is he’s dramatically improved the ball toss from a few years ago when it used to go right a lot and really far forward. But now the ball toss is really improved,” Gilbert told ATPTour.com. “His serving numbers have gone up a lot and I think it’s helped the accuracy on his serve a lot, which has led to his one-two [punches], too. That’s [had] a big effect on his serve, the ball toss.”
Losing serve just eight times in 16 matches speaks for itself. Auger-Aliassime lost in the Rolex Paris Masters semi-finals to eventual champion Holger Rune, but remains full of confidence leading into the year-end championships.
“Three titles in a row is of course amazing. I never expected it to happen like…
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