Felix Auger-Aliassime has shared his ambition to crack the Top 10 in the FedEx ATP Rankings and qualify for the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin in 2021.
The #NextGenATP Canadian is currently ranked No. 21 after a stellar 2020 campaign, which included three runner-up finishes (Rotterdam, Marseille, Cologne 1). To take his game to the next level in the new year, Auger-Aliassime spent more than a week training at the Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar in Mallorca this month.
“I want to obviously keep on improving. I came here to train hard and reach another level. I would love to be in the Top 10 and be part of the Nitto ATP Finals next year,” said Auger-Aliassime. “I think I have what it takes in me and now I need to do well, do work and play good matches.”
To climb higher in the FedEx ATP Rankings, Auger-Aliassime will need to improve his consistency in 2021. Alongside his three final appearances, the Montreal-born star lost his opening match at six events in 2020.
“I have to improve and play good tennis week after week with good engagement and good intensity every week,” said Auger-Aliassime. “If I can do that, I will give myself chances to attain my objective.”
Seeking to improve his consistency and intensity, the 6’4” right-hander could not have chosen a better location for his pre-season training block. During his time at the Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar, the Canadian was able to learn from the man who instilled those two attributes into the heart of Nadal’s game: Toni Nadal.
“It is great. I didn’t have the chance to talk to Toni as much as Rafa at the tournaments. To have Toni on the court, to share tennis with him and have him give his feedback on court has been great,” said Auger-Aliassime. “That is one of the biggest reasons I came here, to share some experience and to have some knowledge from Toni and it has been amazing. He has helped me a lot so far and he gives me great tips. I like his ethic and mentality.”
After spending more than a week at the academy, Auger-Aliassime shared a positive review of the facility and its staff. The Manacor-based tennis centre is currently expanding its facilities, which will include the addition of three indoor hard courts and seven covered clay courts.
“It was my first time, but I have been happily surprised by everything. It is as good as I imagined, even better. I feel like everybody has a very good energy here, a lot of respect, a lot of engagement and passion for the game. For me, as a professional athlete, a tennis player, there is everything I need to train, recover and have a good time.”
from Tennis - ATP World Tour https://ift.tt/3pufzjC
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