Felix On Early Paris Exit: ‘I Shouldn’t Panic’

Felix Auger-Aliassime revealed he was struggling physically before his straight-sets loss to Fabio Fognini on Monday in the first round at Roland Garros.

“I got a bit sick last night, didn't really sleep,” Auger-Aliassime said. “Yeah, sick all night. That's just a reality.”

The Canadian warmed up for the match and tried to put himself in the best position to perform, but was unable to find his best against the Italian veteran, a former Top 10 player.

“After one set [I was] just cramping and just [could not] move anymore. So, yeah, I don't know,” Auger-Aliassime said. “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 his shoulder was feeling “very average”. The No. 10 player in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings is eager to take care of the physical side of things.

“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,” Auger-Aliassime said. “Yeah, I have just two or three things that I need to figure out, run tests, batteries of tests.”

One year ago, Auger-Aliassime showed his best tennis at Roland Garros, where he pushed Rafael Nadal, now a 14-time tournament champion, to five sets. This year, he is out in the first round. But the Canadian is remaining positive.

“Obviously it weighs heavier when you are losing and you are not playing well and also when you are not feeling well with your body, but I try not to worry too much, not to panic,” Auger-Aliassime said. “There are still quite a lot of tournaments coming up this year, and I trust that if things get better, I will be able to play well and have good moments on the court this year.

“I shouldn't panic. It's a difficult time. I have to do my best, taking into account the situation.”