Felix Auger-Aliassime says he needs 'A game' to defeat Jannik Sinner at Madrid Open despite hip injury concerns

Felix Auger-Aliassime will face off against Jannik Sinner in the Quarter-Finals of the Madrid Open after his best run since 2023 Indian Wells and he next takes on a player that he has never lost to. He defeated Casper Ruud 6-4, 7-5.

Auger-Aliassime though has said that it doesn't mean a lot as Sinner has changed a lot since then. But that in his view he needs to bring his A game. This is despite Sinner's injury issues this tournament and he is touch and go whether he will play tomorrow. “Things have changed a bit on his part. Having won against him twice obviously makes it better.. We’ve played here. I played an amazing match and beat him 2 years ago. I think I have all the reasons to believe in myself and believe I can win. But I’m gonna have to play my A game in order to have a chance," said Auger-Aliassime.

But what exactly has changed for the Canadian who was in no form at all around a year ago but has found a new lease of life in Madrid.

“Just believing in my work. This sport is a marathon. I’m trying with my team to build a better level through the weeks. Sometimes it doesn’t go your way. I’ve had tight losses the last few weeks. This time it went my way. It’s going more and more my way this week. I’m really happy I’m able to show what I’ve been working on… all the things I’ve been working on are starting to show on the match court as well.”