The Smart Move by Auger-Aliassime Towards the Masters: "It's a Big Step Forward for Turin"

In the race to qualify for the ATP Finals, Félix Auger-Aliassime made a strong statement by defeating the Shanghai champion, Valentin Vacherot, at the end of a perfectly controlled match.

Ranked 9th in the Race at the start of the week before beginning the Paris Masters 1000, Auger-Aliassime knew he needed a strong performance in the new La Défense Arena to shake up the qualification race.

Qualified for the semi-finals after an authoritative win over Valentin Vacherot in the quarter-finals (6-2, 6-2), the 25-year-old player is truly reignited in this late season. This victory brings him to within just 90 points of Lorenzo Musetti, who is 8th in the Race but was defeated in his opening match by Lorenzo Sonego earlier in the week.

A title in this tournament would secure his spot in Turin, while the Italian has requested a last-minute wild card in Athens. Before facing Bublik in the semi-finals, the Canadian reacted to his victory, no longer hiding his ambitions to qualify for the ATP Finals.

"Beating Valentin (Vacherot), who is the man of the moment, makes me very proud. I was very focused and I didn't underestimate his game even before stepping onto the court. I expected him to bring his best, and I think I've played my best tennis this week and over the last few months.

It's nice to manage to be consistent in a year where I've had several ups and downs. My coach and I are grateful to be able to put that consistency into practice in important matches. It's also a big step forward for Turin," Auger-Aliassime assured Tennis World Italia.