Felix Auger-Aliassime Voices Frustration After Paris Masters Match
Felix Auger-Aliassime recently shared his frustrations following his first match at the Paris Masters. He had performed well in the US Open semifinals last month and maintained his form through the Asian swing and European indoor hard courts.
The Canadian tennis star secured his eighth ATP singles title in Brussels, keeping his hope alive for qualifying for the ATP Finals. However, he experienced a setback due to an injury in Basel but rebounded with a victory in Paris.
Auger-Aliassime Critiques Tennis Balls Used at the Event
Despite winning his initial round at the Paris Masters against Francisco Comesana (6(2)-7, 6-3, 6-3), Auger-Aliassime critiqued the quality of the tennis balls used during the tournament, indicating it has been a longstanding issue within the ATP Tour.
Auger-Aliassime stated, “The balls are rubbish, they don’t bounce straight!” He emphasized the need for change, highlighting that this problem has persisted for years without a solution: “The last two weeks, the balls were normal. There is a real difference, and it’s monumental,” he remarked.
Details of the Ball Issues
The 25-year-old pointed out inconsistencies in the shape and seam of the balls: “Sometimes it’s wider, sometimes it’s thinner; the ball isn’t really round. It’s a real problem.” His concerns resonate with other players, including Jessica Pegula, who have also criticized the tennis balls recently.
Alexander Zverev’s Thoughts on the New Paris Masters Venue
Another notable player, Alexander Zverev, has also raised concerns during this season’s Paris Masters. The tournament has moved from the Bercy Arena to the La Défense Arena after 38 years, leading to mixed reviews among players.
Zverev, the defending champion, stated that while some improvements have taken place, he found the practice courts to be lacking. “They’re very loud from the other courts, and it’s somewhat chaotic,” he expressed, noting that he still needed to experience the main stadium court.
