Jannik Sinner says what he honestly thinks of Felix Auger-Aliassime before playing him in the Paris Masters final
Jannik Sinner, the 24-year-old World No. 2 and defending Paris Masters champion, didn’t hold back in his post-semifinal presser on November 1, 2025, after demolishing Alexander Zverev 6-0, 6-1 to book a Sunday final clash with Felix Auger-Aliassime at La Défense Arena. The Italian – who’s now one win from reclaiming the year-end No. 1 ranking from Carlos Alcaraz and adding a fifth title of 2025 – heaped genuine praise on the Canadian ninth seed, acknowledging his resurgence while framing the showdown as a “great occasion” for both.
Sinner’s words, delivered with his trademark calm demeanor, highlighted respect for Auger-Aliassime’s form, personality, and the challenge ahead, especially with their head-to-head locked at 2-2 (Sinner winning both 2025 meetings: 6-0, 6-2 in Cincinnati; 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 at the US Open).
Full Breakdown of Sinner’s Comments
Speaking to reporters shortly after his 67-minute masterclass (extending his indoor win streak to 25 matches), Sinner was candid about Auger-Aliassime’s evolution and the matchup’s stakes. Here’s every key quote, contextualized:
| Topic | Sinner’s Exact Words | Context/Insight |
|---|---|---|
| Auger-Aliassime’s Form | “Felix plays incredible tennis at the moment, he has improved a lot. Especially in the past months, he has found his game again.” | Sinner spotlighted FAA’s late-season surge: titles in Adelaide, Montpellier, and Brussels; a Madrid final (his first Masters 1000); and a US Open semifinal run. This echoes Sinner’s earlier praise: “I feel like he has improved a lot… Even in one week’s time, you can make big adjustments, and I feel like he did that.” |
| Anticipation for the Final | “I’m looking forward to it tomorrow; it’s a great occasion for both of us.” | With 1,000 points and a fifth Masters 1000 crown (after Miami, Cincinnati, Shanghai, and Canada) on the line, Sinner views it as mutual elevation – FAA needs the win to lock the eighth and final Nitto ATP Finals spot in Turin (November 9–16), where Sinner’s already qualified as defending champion. |
| Personal Respect | “I’m very happy for Felix, he is one of the nicest guys we have on Tour.” | A nod to Auger-Aliassime’s off-court demeanor – the 25-year-old Montreal native is known for his humility and sportsmanship, like cleaning up Bublik’s smashed racket fragments mid-semifinal (7-6(3), 6-4 win). Sinner’s warmth underscores their friendly rivalry. |
| Match Difficulty | “It’s going to be a very difficult match.” | Despite his dominance (70-4 hard-court record since 2024), Sinner isn’t underestimating his opponent: FAA’s serving 12 aces vs. Bublik and converting 3/4 break points show his sharp edge. Sinner added post-Zverev: “Yes, it’s going to be a very, very difficult match for both of us.” |
Sinner’s honesty shines through – no trash talk, just acknowledgment of FAA’s maturity (“a different mindset,” per Auger-Aliassime’s own words) and the fine margins that separate elite players.
“These players are not unplayable,” FAA said after his semifinal win, referencing their US Open thriller where he nearly flipped the momentum. Sinner, ever the strategist, knows FAA’s aggression could test his baseline consistency and composure.
The Stakes: No. 1, Turin, and Legacy
- For Sinner: Victory seals year-end No. 1 (his second straight), completes a Paris three-peat bid, and offers redemption for FAA’s earlier career wins (Basel 2019, Toronto 2021).
- For FAA: His first Masters 1000 title (ninth overall) and Turin qualification – a “big step forward,” as he told Tennis World Italia.
The final starts no earlier than 2 p.m. CET (8 a.m. ET / 5 a.m. PT). Expect booming serves, baseline battles, and mutual respect under the lights.
Sinner’s admiration for Auger-Aliassime? It’s mutual — and it’s setting the stage for one of 2025’s most compelling finals.
Who takes it: the Italian ice man or the Canadian fire?
