Felix Auger-Aliassime faces strenuous challenge at Olympics due to scheduling conflict

Canadian tennis star Felix Auger-Aliassime will have his work cut out for him over the next 24 hours at the 2024 Olympic Games, as he is scheduled to compete in both the men's singles and mixed doubles events in the same day.

The former World No.6 upset former Roland Garros finalist Casper Ruud in a thrilling quarterfinal match, putting on a splendid performance to secure a 6-4 6-7(8) 6-3 victory. Auger-Aliassime will now face reigning French Open champion Carlos Alcaraz on Friday for a chance to win Olympic gold.

Representing your country at the Olympics brings a lot of pressure, and Auger-Aliassime will have to bear the load twice as he is also competing in the mixed doubles bronze event. The 23-year old, alongside compatriot Gabriela Dabrowski, fell to the Czech team of Tomas Machac and Katerina Siniakova in the semifinals. However, they have a shot at winning a bronze medal for their country, with the match scheduled to take place on the same day.

With both matches set for Friday, Auger-Aliassime is set to play four matches in approximately 28 hours. Although the Montreal native's fitness has never been questioned, the mental stress of dealing with such big matches on a global stage could affect his play. The timing of both matches has yet to be scheduled, but the ITF will likely have to take that into consideration when planning the timing for his matches.