THE CHAMPIONSHIPS

June 30, 2021

Felix Auger-Aliassime

Press Conference

F. AUGER-ALIASSIME/T. Monteiro

6-3, 6-3, 6-3

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. It seemed like just a great all-around performance. You dropped just 13 points on your serve. How happy were you with things from your side today?

FELIX AUGER-ALIASSIME: No, yeah, I can be really happy. It's always tricky the first rounds. You know, there was a long waiting, also. To step out on the court Wednesday, you know, you've got a bit of nerves, but I was able to control that really well, step up my game, play aggressively with dominance. Like you said, I served great.

If I remember well, I did save some breakpoints, so that's always good when you're in this situation. I was giving myself a lot of chances on my returns. Now I can be happy with my performance, and I'm going to try to repeat that tomorrow.

Q. How was the footing on the court? We have heard over the last couple of days it's been pretty wet. Bianca today had a tough time on that court. How did you find it?

FELIX AUGER-ALIASSIME: I can understand. You know, it was a bit, I would say, muddy and humid. The back of the court on one side, yeah, the back right, there was, yeah, literal mud. So that can be tricky, for sure. You know, it's been really raining, humid here the last few days, so I can understand.

For myself, yeah, fortunately I had a good time moving on the court. Of course you're careful with your movement, try to be stable, and always, you know, on my toes.

I did good, but, yeah, the conditions are a little bit different than what I had, for example, two years ago here.

Q. After a challenging clay court swing, it seems like the switch to surfaces to grass is just what you needed to have your game click. What is it about being on the grass that's bringing out the best in you that we have seen so far this year?

FELIX AUGER-ALIASSIME: Well, of course after French Open, I had to bounce back and then just refocus on my fundamentals and essentials in my game, which are, you know, my serve, my forehand, and just playing, you know, playing instinctively and free, I would say. Just, you know, going for my shots, being creative.

That's what I did the last few weeks. You know, it's been paying off well. You know, the surface has been suiting me, so it's been good and I'm enjoying myself so far, but, you know, the tournament keeps on going and I have to keep going like that.

Q. Can I get your thoughts on making the Canadian Olympic tennis team for the first time, what that means to you personally and how you feel with the squad, especially going in with singles and doubles with your friend, Vasek?

FELIX AUGER-ALIASSIME: You know, it's great. To be honest, it's a bit of a dream come true, I've got to say. You know, the Olympics go beyond just your sport.

To all the kids that are going to be watching back home in all the provinces hopefully of Canada, following their athletes, for me, you know, it's a great privilege to be among these athletes, to also have a shot to play well and to play for a medal. That's why also I'm going there.

So, you know, I'm super excited to go, going to try to bring my best. Yeah, it's really a great privilege. I think also with Vasek, you know, we are both good doubles players. I can say he's probably even better than me, so that's good. And, you know, we also have a shot of playing a good tournament there. I'm excited for it.