Roland-Garros: “It was torture”, according to the coach of Félix Auger-Aliassime

MISE À DAY

PARIS | Félix Auger-Aliassime's coach Frédéric Fontang didn't like watching his diminished protection trying to compete without being able to do anything.

“It was torture for him and for the team too”, he underlined Monday in an interview with Journal after the defeat of Félix, 6-4, 6-4 and 6-3, conceded at the hands of veteran Fabio Fognini , in the initial round of Roland-Garros. 

“He needs to rest and after that, we will take stock in a few days”, added Fontang.

The help of the healer

It was a weakened Félix who appeared on the Simonne-Mathieu, the third most important court at Roland-Garros, after the Philippe-Chatrier and the Suzanne-Lenglen. 

Not even the crowd, fairly divided between the two protagonists, nor the fanfare present in the stands managed to breathe a bit of energy into the 10th player in the world. 

From the third game of the match, “FAA” committed three double faults in a row to see his serve broken by his opponent.

Offering a game without conviction, Auger-Aliassime could not hide his pain in the middle sleeve and he asked for help from the trainer.

“I saw the doctor before the match. I wanted to know if there is anything I could take, electrolytes, to help with the cramps. I was far from in good shape. It helped a little, maybe I had a little less cramps. But afterwards, I was far from being able to win.”

Fognini takes advantage of it

Fognini, 130th in the ATP rankings, but who has already been a top 10, took the opportunity to run the native of Montreal. 

In the last set, Félix was not more able to reach balls even when stretching out at full length. Each game seemed painful and the grimaces were numerous on his face. 

Fabio Fognini tried to silence the supporters of Félix Auger-Aliassime, Monday, at Roland-Garros.

He had a few nice shots here and there, including drop shots and forehand winners, but nothing more. Nothing to really bother the 36-year-old veteran, who ran all the balls like in the good old days.

“When a great champion like him arrives at a Grand Slam, he plays even if he is in pain, has said Fognini about Felix. It already happened to me. I feel sorry for him. I wish him to recover.”

The one who is at his 16th Roland-Garros will cross swords in the second round with the Australian Jason Kubler, 69th in the world.