Felix Auger-Aliassime let out a bellow that pierced through the cheers inside the arena in Basel, Switzerland, two weeks ago. He had just beaten Holger Rune to win his 13th match in a row and his third consecutive ATP Tour title.
After flopping onto his back on the court following match point, then shaking his opponent’s hand, Auger-Aliassime returned to the middle of the court and stood with his mouth agape. The show of emotion was uncharacteristic for a player who is better known for being humble, subtle and, for the most part, quiet.
“It was just such a relief because there was so much tension at the end of a match like that,” Auger-Aliassime said by phone barely an hour after the trophy presentation.