Auger-Aliassime believes in his abilities: "When I play really well, I can compete with him".

Félix Auger-Aliassime can sometimes surprise.

As he slowly rediscovers his best tennis form, the man ranked 18th 1 this week displays an almost unsettling confidence in his press conference.

Asked about Alcaraz's monumental level since the French Open, the Canadian explained: "He's a genius in his field. A lot of players have been precocious and good at a very young age and have experienced difficulties and challenges, myself being the first, but it's as if he's always able to respond. He manages to win every important match.

I don't think you can teach that to anyone. But I feel that when I play really well, I can compete with him.

Do I need to work harder? Do I need to be more precise in what I do? Do I need to push a little harder? Do I need to suffer a bit more? Will I manage to tick all the boxes and win everything I dream of winning? I believe it in my heart of hearts."

No such luck for "Félix", as he lost on Friday to the returning Matteo Berrettini (7-6, 7-6).