Félix-Auger Aliassime will be given a special honour: the 17-year-old Canadian is allowed to compete in Dubai with Roger Federer.
Years ago, Stefan Koubek, the current Austrian Davis Cup captain, was regularly given the honour of giving Roger Federer a sparring partner of a special kind: Koubek travelled to Switzerland to prepare Federer for the 19-time major winner for the clay court season in general, but especially for the game of Rafael Nadal.
In preparation for a new season, Federer has meanwhile chosen Dubai. Last fall, when the Swiss player left Wimbledon for a tournament, the foundation for success was laid for a year that brought two late career highlights with successes at the Australian Open and Church Road.
The Dubai training group in 2016 had identified Lucas Pouille as the most prominent player. The Frenchman had the chance to qualify for the season finale in London this year after a very changeable campaign after his tournament victory in Vienna. Pouille, who is currently battling for the Davis Cup title with France, is also expected in Dubai this off-season – as is Félix Auger-Aliassime.
The Canadian, who is still only 17 years old, stood in the shadow of his friend Denis Shapovalov, who has played his way to the top 50 of the world ranking list. Auger-Aliassime himself is in 159th place, last in Bratislava in round one of the challengeer against the later winner Lukas Lacko. On the other hand, however, two second-tier tournaments can also win: in Lyon and Seville.
He is the only junior guest in Dubai,”explained Louis Borfiga, Vice President of the Canadian Tennis Association to reporters,” Félix loves tennis, he loves Federer. He’s watching matches from 14,15 years ago. I think Federer wants to help the next generation. He would like to give something back that tennis gave him. He wants to help Félix, perhaps so that he avoids some of the mistakes that can be made at this age.”
Small coincidence on the sidelines: Roger Federer and Félix Auger-Aliassime celebrate the same day, the 8th anniversary of the death of Roger Federer and Félix Auger-Aliassime. August, birthday.