Photo: Peter Power
The youngest player to ever win an ATP Challenger match, winner of the U.S. Open junior doubles title with fellow Canadian Denis Shapovalov, and finalist at the 2016 Junior French Open, everyone has their eyes on rising star Félix Auger-Aliassime.
As devout followers, we’re well-acquainted with his list of tennis accomplishments, so let’s get to the good stuff — like, what are his favourite pastimes and when did he first pick up a racquet? Simply put: who is Félix? Here are a list of 25 things you may or may not know about one of our favourite Canadian sports exports:
1. He was born in Montreal, Quebec.
2. He’s right-handed.
3. He’s 1.88m (6″2) tall.
4. His idols include Roger Federer, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, and Gael Monfils.
5. Milos Raonic has been keeping an eye on him:
Inspiring to see what Félix Auger-Aliassime is doing at only 14 years old. He is going to be fun to follow.
— Milos Raonic (@milosraonic) July 24, 2015
And, after Felix made the Junior French Open final, Milos was watching:
Congrats to all the Canadian boys for a great showing. Especially @felixtennis on a great final. Many opportunities are ahead of them all!
— Milos Raonic (@milosraonic) June 6, 2016
6. During his downtime he enjoys watching movies.
7. He also enjoys playing piano.
8. And is not afraid to rock out on an electric!
@filippeliwo & @felixtennis not only rock the tennis court..! Venez les voir dès demain sur les courts @ITGatineau pic.twitter.com/ZMplhDfVTe
— Sylvain Souligny (@SylvainSouligny) March 1, 2016
9. He has the same birthday as Roger Federer.
10. Making him exactly 19 years younger than Roger Federer.
11. His selfie game is strong:
Selfie game strong 😅📷 pic.twitter.com/JDFNTNZAoD
— Félix AugerAliassime (@felixtennis) October 4, 2015
12. Along with being a tennis prodigy, he’s also not too shabby at playing soccer:
What we do during rain delays…⚽😉 @markhmasters pic.twitter.com/4F1DtRxlef
— Félix AugerAliassime (@felixtennis) September 14, 2015
13. Family time is his favourite time:
14. He’s no stranger to suiting up for a special occasion:
https://www.instagram.com/p/9cfKAzlG0M/?taken-by=felixaliassime
15. He started playing tennis at the age of five with his father:
16. His astrological sign is Leo! Raaawrrr!
17. He trains out of Canada’s National Training Centre in Montreal with Tennis Canada coach Guillaume Marx and Jocelyn Robichaud.
18. He has an older sister Malika who also plays tennis.
19. He rocks a two-handed backhand.
20. As soon as he started playing tennis he decided he wanted to be a professional tennis player.
21. When he’s travelling on tour he misses his family, Montreal, and speaking French.
22. He says his on-court strengths include his serve and forearm. (We couldn’t agree more!)
23. His weapon of choice is a Babolat!
https://twitter.com/BabolatCanada/status/671481333797949440
24. He enjoys hang time with fellow Canadian junior Charlotte Robillard-Millette:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BEmC5VCFG6X/?taken-by=felixaliassime
25. At the end of the day, he knows it’s just a game:
https://www.instagram.com/p/7qLoIpFG2f/?taken-by=felixaliassime
