Felix Auger-Aliassime could have dashed Alex de Minaur’s Davis Cup ambitions for one more 12 months – however Canada’s hovering world crew champion believes the Australian can nonetheless obtain his dream.
Auger-Aliassime, shaping as much as attain the heights for thus lengthy predicted of him, proved the shining star of the Cup finals week in Malaga, saving his finest for final as he outplayed the Sydneysider who possesses such a powerful resume within the competitors.
The victory ensured a 2-0 win for Canada, the nation’s first-ever Davis Cup triumph, leaving de Minaur’s crestfallen countenance the enduring picture of Australia’s anti-climactic ultimate after his week of heroics had been largely chargeable for their battle march to the ultimate.
Yet Auger-Aliassime, now a world champion at 22, had an encouraging message for his long-time opponent from junior days, when requested if he felt de Minaur might someday spearhead Australia to a title they have not held for 19 years.
“For sure, for sure,” stated Auger-Aliassime.
“Look, he’s led this team to the finals now. He’s always played well in team events.
“He’s one of many hardest guys to get previous by means of on the court docket. He’s actually quick. Yeah, he is a tricky competitor, much more in these competitions. I’m certain he’ll attempt to lead his crew to the victory.”
Auger-Aliassime admitted his sense of delight at sealing Canada’s first-ever Davis Cup triumph was tinged with relief at finally disposing of the challenge of the 23-year-old who never stopped running or believing before he finally succumbed to his first defeat in seven Davis Cup singles rubbers this year.
“Even on the finish, Alex made it powerful for me. In the second set, I used to be up a break however getting loads of break factors, getting probabilities even within the final sport,” said the Canadian.
The problem for the de Minaur-led Australia, though, is that the Cup appears to be getting ever more competitive in its shorter, knock-out tournament format.
“There are so many powerful groups. We performed Italy, who’re going to have a extremely powerful crew sooner or later like many others, and hopefully we’re there yearly and are contenders to win it,” said Auger-Aliassime.
Indeed, with Denis Shapovalov firing too, Canada can expect to be the competition’s pre-eminent force in forthcoming years, with Auger-Aliassime now really showing why he’s such a special talent following three tournament wins in succession last month.
“These guys aren’t youngsters any extra. They’ve been crushing it,” said the team’s elder statesman Vasek Pospisil.
But Auger-Aliassime was the one who seems finest outfitted to go on to grand slam glory, in form to enhance on his efficiency finally 12 months’s Australian Open when he made the quarter-finals.
