TURIN — In a candid revelation that highlights the immense mental pressure of elite sport, Canadian tennis star Félix Auger-Aliassime has admitted he was too stressed to watch Novak Djokovic’s pivotal match at the recent Paris Masters, a result that ultimately secured the Canadian’s own qualification for the ATP Finals.
The scenario was fraught with tension. Auger-Aliassime’s fate was not entirely in his own hands. After a grueling season, his spot in the prestigious, year-end tournament in Turin hinged on the outcome of the Paris final, where the legendary Djokovic faced Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti. A Djokovic victory would see Auger-Aliassime qualify; a Musetti win would hand the final spot to his rival, Holger Rune of Denmark.
The Agony of the Sidelines
Auger-Aliassime, who had been eliminated in the third round of the Paris tournament, described the experience as one of the most nerve-wracking of his career. Instead of settling in to watch the high-stakes final on television, he actively avoided it. "I couldn't bring myself to watch the match," Auger-Aliassime confessed to reporters in Turin. "The stress was too much. I was following the score on my phone, updating it point by point, but actually watching the tennis was impossible."
This admission provides a rare glimpse into the psychological toll of the ATP Race to Turin, where the battle for the final spots often comes down to the last tournament of the regular season. For players on the cusp, it creates a unique form of purgatory—their year’s work dependent on the performance of another athlete in a match over which they have zero control. The Canadian described a rollercoaster of emotions with every update. "When Musetti won the first set, my heart sank. I thought that was it, my chance was gone."
Djokovic Delivers Under Pressure
On the court in Paris, Novak Djokovic was doing what he does best: winning when it matters most. Despite a spirited challenge from the talented Musetti, who took the first set, the 24-time Grand Slam champion demonstrated his legendary resilience. He methodically worked his way back into the match, ultimately securing a 6-4, 6-3 victory to claim a record-extending seventh Paris Masters title.
This victory was monumental for Djokovic, solidifying his status as the year-end world No. 1, but its ripple effect was felt immediately by Auger-Aliassime. The moment the final ball was struck, the Canadian’s phone began buzzing with congratulatory messages, confirming his qualification for the ATP Finals for the second consecutive year. "It was a huge relief, a massive weight off my shoulders," he said.
A Season of Resilience
Auger-Aliassime’s path to Turin was not straightforward. The 23-year-old endured a difficult start to the 2024 season, struggling with form and consistency. However, a strong second half of the year, characterized by deep runs at several tournaments, revitalized his campaign. Key to his qualification were:
- A semifinal appearance at the ATP 500 event in Basel
- A quarterfinal finish at the Masters 1000 in Shanghai
- Crucial wins over other Turin hopefuls in the final weeks
This late surge showcased the mental fortitude that has become a hallmark of his game. "It’s been a year of ups and downs, but I never stopped believing I could get back here," Auger-Aliassime reflected. "To qualify under these circumstances, with so much on the line until the very last moment, makes it especially sweet."
The Djokovic Dynamic
The situation also underscores the unique position Novak Djokovic often occupies in the narratives of other players. His unparalleled consistency and ability to win big matches frequently directly impact the careers and fortunes of his peers. For Auger-Aliassime, Djokovic was an unwitting benefactor. "You have to trust a champion like Novak to do his job," he said with a smile.
This is not the first time a player’s fate has been tied to the Serbian. The ATP Race often creates these indirect dependencies, adding a layer of off-court drama to the final events of the season. For the players involved, it’s a test of nerve as much as a test of skill.
Looking Ahead to Turin
Now, with the stress of qualification behind him, Auger-Aliassime can focus on the task at hand: competing against the best eight players in the world. He has been drawn in the Green Group alongside Novak Djokovic himself, Jannik Sinner, and Stefanos Tsitsipas—a brutally tough round-robin stage.
When asked about the prospect of facing the man whose victory secured his place, Auger-Aliassime was philosophical. "It’s funny how it works out. I’ll be on the other side of the net from him now, and I’ll give it my all," he stated. "But I’ll always be thankful that he came through in Paris. It’s a reminder that in tennis, you’re part of a larger ecosystem."
His experience highlights a universal truth in professional sports that fans rarely see: the agonizing wait, the helplessness, and the profound relief when fortune finally swings your way. For Félix Auger-Aliassime, the 2024 ATP Finals will forever be linked to the one Novak Djokovic match he was too stressed to watch.