By Erik Gudris | @atntennis | Monday, May 29, 2023
No. 10 seed Felix Auger-Aliassime is hoping for some time to heal after exiting Roland Garros in the first round on Monday.
Italian veteran Fabio Fognini proved too much for the Canadian as he secured a 6-4, 6-4, 6-3 opening round victory.
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It marks the first top 10 win for Fognini at a major since he came back from two sets down in 2015 to upset Rafael Nadal at the US Open.
While Fognini played well, it was clear from start to finish that Auger-Aliassime was not 100% in the match. Later, Auger-Aliassime revealed he was dealing with multiple physical issues during the match that included an ongoing shoulder issue.
“Yeah. I mean, the shoulder is not great, but that wasn't the issue today. I got a bit sick last night, didn't really sleep. Yeah, sick all night. That's just a reality,” Auger-Aliassime, said afterwards. “I woke up this morning trying, I mean, it's like I've been struggling with a few things, and it's like, can you believe it, I get sick the day before my match?
"I tried to warm up. I tried to see the doctor, see what I could take, but after one set, you know, just cramping and just can't move anymore. So, yeah, I don't know. I wasn't sure whether I should keep going or give myself a shot or if I should stop. It was a difficult time, but it's okay. I just need to get healthy again.”
Auger-Aliassime also admitted that he’s been taking painkillers to manage his shoulder issue.
It’s been a tough clay court swing for the Canadian who endured early round losses at both Rome and Madrid. He also had to withdraw from his match in Lyon against eventual champion Arthur Fils.
Auger-Aliassime is hoping to take some time off and get fully healthy before the grass court events leading up to Wimbledon.
“For sure. Right now it's tough to say, but what I know for sure is I need to not just, not just the shoulder," Auger-Aliassime said. "I need to understand why I got sick like I did, and also a week ago it happened in Lyon. I got sick the same way.
"Yeah, I have just two or three things that I need to figure out, run tests, batteries of tests. I mean, I've been just unhealthy lately and just been fighting a lot with my body, trying to practice, trying to play. Definitely I need to come back to myself as a player and enjoy playing because, yeah, it's been tough.
"So I don't know. We'll see how the next days go. I'm going to run some tests, and hopefully I can be back soon. That I would hope, but I need to be back healthy. That's for sure.”
Photo credit: @Queens Club