Auger-Aliassime Parts Ways with Longtime Coach Frederic Fontang

After a period of soul-searching that started with a very difficult loss to Flavio Cobolli in this year’s Roland Garros quarterfinals, Felix Auger-Aliassime has shaken up his coaching team by parting ways with Frederic Fontang, the coach who has guided him for the last ten years.

Auger-Aliassime had difficulty accepting his loss to Cobolli in Paris, and afterwards he was not shy about expressing his disappointment.

“I can’t complain with my life, but I’m in a place right now with my tennis career that it’s tough. You know, I’m a little bit, like, I’m destroyed today a little bit,” he said at the time.

“I usually handle losses pretty well, I have to say. Like, my whole career, I was going back to training with optimism and positivity. Now I feel like I’m not the player I want to be, so today is a difficult day.”

Perhaps that moment led Auger-Aliassime to his decision to move on from Fontang. He took to Instagram to break the news on Friday.

“After nearly ten years of working together, it has recently been decided that Wimbledon would be my last tournament with Frédéric by my side as my coach,” Auger-Aliassime said.

“Today, I want to express my deepest respect, gratitude, and admiration for his dedication and the passion he brought every single day to helping me achieve my goals.

“Since I was 16 years old, he has guided my development and helped me experience incredible moments through this sport. He has also been by my side during the toughest moments of my career. In those difficult times, I always found in him the calm, composure, and wisdom I needed to overcome those challenges.”

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A post shared by Félix Auger-Aliassime (@felixaliassime)

“Looking back today, I can say that beyond being an outstanding coach, he has been a true mentor throughout my journey into adulthood,” Auger-Aliassime concluded. “Fred, thank you for leading by example throughout all these years together. I wouldn’t be the player I am today without you.

“I wish you nothing but the very best in your future endeavors.”