Close-knit group
Auger-Aliassime’s wisdom is a valuable resource to have for a nation that produces rising stars with regularity. The World No.9, who faces Arthur Fils in the round of 16 on Tuesday, has his own goals to worry about, but he keeps a keen eye on up-and-coming players and is ready to offer help whenever it is needed.
“I am always happy when the other Canadian tennis players are doing well,” the 25-year-old said in a recent interview in Rotterdam. “We all support each other so everyone can have the best career possible. We are all very good friends, and on the women’s side as well, it is amazing to see a girl like Mboko being so young and playing such amazing tennis. She is playing at an incredibly high level.”
Auger-Aliassime defeated another rising Canadian on Sunday night; Gabriel Diallo. The roots run deep between the two, as Diallo moved to Quebec when he was a youngster and lived with Auger-Aliassime’s father to train.
At the time, Auger-Aliassime was just about to make the transition from junior to pro, so he wasn’t around as much, but he remained close to Diallo, and the families were close as well.
After Sunday’s win, his second in two tries over Diallo, Auger-Aliassime admitted that it’s tricky to play against a close friend like the World No. 33. He said there’s “a bit of tension” but added that he is thrilled to see Diallo find his footing and become a force on tour.
“It’s special because, yes, our families helped each other,” he said. “We were close. We still are, and I know he’s doing his journey, and now he doesn’t need me at all. He’s flying, and he’s a great player.”
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