Roger Federer tips one man to be future star - so just who is the teen Federer has backed?
FELIX AUGER-ALIASSIME has described his opportunity to train with Roger Federer in the off-season as “unbelievable”.
Félix Auger-Aliassime works on his upper-body strength
Following the end of the 2017 season, Federer invited Auger-Aliassime to train with him in Dubai.
But the 17-year-old, who is one of Canada’s brightest prospects, was forced to leaving the training camp early after picking up a knee injury.
Auger-Aliassime made his return to competitive action last week at the Hungarian Challenger Open and reached the round of 16.
But he has been handed a wildcard into the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament and will face Serbian Filip Krajinovic in the first round.
Felix Auger-Aliassime has hailed Roger Federer
Having a chance to practice with my idol Roger from when I was growing up was unbelievable
Speaking before his opening match, Auger-Aliassime opened up about being able to work with his idol.
Auger-Aliassime told Tennis TV: “Having a chance to practice with my idol Roger from when I was growing up was unbelievable. It was good to see him again after seeing him all of the off-season.”
In his press-conference in Rotterdam, Federer was asked about the Canadian teen and tipped him for greatness.
He said: “I think he is going to be a very good player.
Roger Federer has tipped Felix Auger-Aliassime for a good career
“Unfortunately he got hurt during the time that he was in Dubai with me in December.
“I just saw him this morning for the first time again after I wished him a good trip back home and good rehab. It’s nice to see him smiling and happy again.
“I didn’t worry for him because he seemed very upbeat, positive and still in a moment that was actually pretty hard for him, being hurt going into Australia. I think he is going to be great player.
“How good remains to be seen. I don’t want to put too much pressure on him to be honest.”