After Compatriot Denis Shapovalov, Felix Auger Aliassime Suffers an Unfortunate Loss at Sofia Open 2020

Felix Auger-Aliassime is undoubtedly a terrific talent, but he’s yet to secure a singles title on the professional tour. The Canadian youngster recently broke his titleless streak by clinching the doubles championship at the Rolex Paris Masters. He had a golden chance to secure his maiden singles crown at the Sofia Open 2020, but the wait unfortunately goes on! 

Sofia Open 2020 is the final event in the calendar barring the ATP Finals. There are several talented athletes eying the prize in Bulgaria, and Felix Auger-Aliassime was one among them. 

In fact, the Canadian was seeded second in the event behind Denis Shapovalov. But his compatriot Shapovalov suffered a first-round upset at the hands of Radu Albot. This cleared the route for Auger-Aliassime, but he failed to capitalize. Ahead of the tournament, the youngster was spirited about his chances:

” I’m seeded (number 2), I feel very good physically and I have complete confidence in my game and the chances of doing well this week. I have already played three finals in 2020 and I want to give myself a last chance to win a tournament this year,” mentioned Auger-Aliassime.

However, a shocking first-round defeat against World No.82 Salvatore Caruso knocked him out of the tournament in a similar fashion to that of Shapovalov. A frustrate Aliassime could do nothing but vent his frustration after the 6-4, 6-4 loss. 

All he needed to do was keep his cool and replicate top from at the Sofia Open. A major career drought would have come to an end, but alas! 

Also Read: Felix Auger Aliassime and Hurbert Hurkacz Save Five Championship Points to Triumph at Rolex Paris Masters 2020 Finals

Felix Auger-Aliassime is willing to wait for his elusive singles title

Auger-Aliassime has reached six career finals to date. The unfortunate thing is that he’s never been able to convert any of them into a championship triumph. It has almost fallen as a curse upon the 20-year-old, but he blew those superstitions by winning the doubles title in Paris. 

“It’s a good thing. I’m happy to have won a title, whether it’s singles or doubles,” Auger-Aliassime said. However, the doubles event is not his main domain and he knows the elusive singles title is the one he craves the most.

“Obviously I’m still looking for that first singles title, but it will come when it needs to be. when I deserve it.  Every week is a chance for me. You play a tournament, you try to win,” he added. 

It has been a rocky road so far for Felix Auger-Aliassime in 2020. He’s been to three finals at different events, and a few tough losses caused a setback. But it is not the end of the road and the youngster knows it. 

“I lost a few first rounds this year, I made a few finals. There were ups and downs at times.  I’ll be doing the same this week, but who knows what’s going to happen.”

Can Auger-Aliassime return with force in 2021 and seal his first career title? It has been a long time coming and the youngster needs to step up his game in order to sustain in the rankings!

Also Read: “Helped Me Develop as a Tennis Player” – Felix Auger-Aliassime Terminates Alliance with Long-Term Coach