"His physicality is that of Novak and maybe even a step above" - Mats Wilander believes Felix Auger-Aliassime could push Djokovic in every department

Felix Auger-Aliassime has enjoyed an explosive second half of the tennis season following consecutive titles at the Firenze Open, European Open and Swiss Indoors.

He also beat Novak Djokovic at the Laver Cup in September, and the pair could face each other in the final of the Paris Masters, with Auger-Aliassime beating Frances Tiafoe in Friday's quarter-final to progress to the last four. Djokovic is on the other side of the draw.

Former World No.1 Mats Wilander has told Eurosport his latest triumphs have been an “unbelievable physical effort”, and that the 22-year-old can push the Serbian in “every department”.  

“It’s an unbelievable thing to win three in a row, it’s an amazing physical effort,” said Wilander. “These tournaments are tournaments where he’s basically beating players that he should beat, and we always knew Felix Auger-Aliassime had it in him to beat players that he’s better than.”

Wilander thinks the Canadian will now start competing with the “best in the world”, and that his recent success will help him to believe he can challenge the likes of Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, as he seeks his first major title.

“On paper when he’s up against the best players in the world, that’s when he has to start believing he’s as good as them. This is just a confidence boost, it couldn’t happen to a better and nicer guy.”

Wilander analyzed Auger-Aliassime strengths, and went as far as to say his physicality is a “step above” former world No. 1 Djokovic. He fired warning shots the Serbian’s way, and believes the current world No. 8 has the tools to trouble the 35-year-old more regularly.

“Be very aware, when he’s playing, his serve is absolutely huge, his physicality is that of Novak Djokovic and maybe even a step above, and that doesn't come lightly under my mouth because I’ve always thought Djokovic was the greatest athlete of any sport," added Wilander.

“But Felix Auger-Aliassime is right up there and would push Novak for his money in every department physically, and that’s unbelievable.”