Merchant of Tennis caught up with Félix Auger-Aliassime to discuss how he is enjoying playing professional tennis, as well as, the Junior Davis Cup! He has had a great season winning this year's US Open Junior Doubles title with fellow Canadian Denis Shapovalov (check out his Q&A here) and the Junior Davis Cup!
Here is what he had to say.
Q: When and where did you start playing tennis?
I started playing tennis at the age of five in Quebec City with my father.
Q: When and how did you decide that you wanted to make playing tennis your career?
Since I was very young actually, I always wanted to be a professional tennis player as soon as I started playing tennis.
Q: What do you miss the most while you are traveling and playing on the tour?
What I miss the most is being with my family at home. Even though I visit a lot of cities, I always miss the city of Montreal. Also speaking my language, French.
Q: You burst onto the tennis scene during the Granby Challenger, can you talk about that tournament and your feelings and emotions after playing so well.
It was a great achievement for me to play the best tennis of my life that week in front of my home crowd. Now knowing that I can play at this level, it is very encouraging for the rest of my career.
Q: How did it feel to be a US Open Boy's Doubles Champion? Any big lessons learned?
It was great to finally get some good results in doubles. I think it's going to get my confidence even higher and help me improve my transition game in singles. I was just very proud of my partner and me to win a Grand Slam title.
(Felix and his doubles partner Denis Shapovalov)
Q: How would you describe your game (singles, doubles, or both)?
I am an aggressive player in doubles and singles. I like the release on every shot I hit. My weapons would be my serve and my forehand.
Q: Does the US Open win compare to playing for your country at the Junior Davis Cup?
Davis cup was a completely different game for me. Playing for your country brings the best out of you on every point and the atmosphere is different with your teammates cheering on the sidelines. With the country supporting you it is very exhilarating. Davis Cup was a bigger achievement for me.
(Canada's Junior Boy's Davis Cup Champions)
Q: You are currently a top ranked junior in Canada, and have achieved so much this year, what are your goals for the 2016 season?
My goals would be to perform again on the pro level, reach the semis of a junior grand slam and to improve my physical and tactical abilities. Being an all around player.
Speed Round
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Tennis Idol?
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Roger Federer and Jo Tsonga |
Forehand or Backhand?
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Forehand
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Fitness or Practice?
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Practice |
Hard Court or Clay Court?
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Hard Court
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Favourite tournament?
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US Open
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Leafs or Raptors or TFC?
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Raptors
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Ice Cream or Cake?
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Ice Cream
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Favourite cuisine?
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Italian
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How many languages do you speak?
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English & French
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Hot or Cold Vacation?
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Hot |
Be sure to follow Felix on Instagram & Twitter to see how he is doing. You can also follow Merchant of Tennis for up-to-date information about the newest tennis gear and specials.
