Félix Auger-Aliassime had his face marked by disappointment after his lost final at the Masters 1000 in Madrid at the hands of Andrey Rublevbut the Russian’s kind words in his post-match thanks temporarily put a smile back on his face.
The eighth in the world, who nicknamed the Quebecois Oxford two years ago “because he expresses himself so well that one would say that he studied [à la prestigieuse université]» (to read here)said of the 23-year-old that he inspired him.
And not just him, either.
“Thank you very much Felix. I know it’s very disappointing to lose a match like this; I experienced it several times, Rublev said. But I will repeat myself, and I will never tire of repeating this: you are an inspiration. For me, for the spectators here, for the young people.
“You are a professional,” he continued. You are humble, you are a good person. I wish you the best. You always have a good team around you, who you treat well and who treat you well. I wish you continued success.”
