Felix Auger-Aliassime points out the four areas where Jannik Sinner has really improved in the last few years

Felix Auger-Aliassime is back into the US Open semifinals for the first time in four years.

Auger-Aliassime was thought to have a lot of potential when he had a breakout season in 2021, reaching the US Open semifinals which helped him climb to a career-high ranking of world number six.

The Canadian has struggled to live up to expectation since then, but after Auger-Aliassime beat Alex de Minaur he has returned to the US Open semifinals.

Auger-Aliassime was unable to win his semifinal back in 2021, and now standing in his way is world number one Jannik Sinner, who is many people’s pick to win the US Open title.

Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images

Felix Auger-Aliassime pinpoints four ways in which Jannik Sinner has improved

Auger-Aliassime backed up his win over Alexander Zverev once again and came from a set down to beat De Minaur, 4-6 7-6(7) 7-5 7-6(4), to reach the US Open semifinals.

At the time of his press conference, it was not yet clear as to who Auger-Aliassime would play in the semifinals, as Sinner was yet to play Lorenzo Musetti.

Despite this, Auger-Aliassime was still asked about Sinner, with the world number 27 praising his potential semifinal opponent for how he has improved so many areas of his game over the last few years and reflecting on their recent encounter in Cincinnati.

“He has improved a lot,” said Auger-Aliassime. “Whenever I get asked, I give him credit, because you have to give credit when it’s due when somebody does the work and they improve and they get to that level.

You just have to tip your hat off. I always say that is what I hope to do in my career as well, to improve in such a way.

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“Obviously the perfect scenario would have been to win against him in Cincinnati and I think the okay scenario is having a chance to play him.

“We had not played in some years, so if I get the chance to play him in the next round it’s like I know more what to expect in terms of this is what he plays like today compared to 2022. I was able to feel his game, so now I can really prepare and say okay this is what to expect and I can go in knowing that.”

When specifically asked about what Sinner has improved the most on his rise to the top of the ATP rankings, Auger-Aliassime listed the Italian’s physicality, movement, serve and forehand as the main things he has bettered in recent years.

“Physicality. His movement has got much better. He has got stronger physically. The serve. The forehand is more precise,” said Auger-Aliassime. “The backhand was always consistent, the return was always good and deep. Those are the main things.

Felix Auger-Aliassime vs Jannik Sinner Head-to-head

It is now confirmed that Auger-Aliassime will play Sinner for a fourth time when they meet in the US Open semifinals.

The Canadian will be hoping it goes better than their most recent meeting, when Sinner thrashed Auger-Aliassime in Cincinnati for the loss of just two games.

Despite this, it is actually Auger-Aliassime who has the bragging rights in the head-to-head, as he has beaten Sinner twice before.

Year Tournament Result 2022 Madrid Open (R16) Auger-Aliassime beat Sinner, 6-1 6-2 2022 Cincinnati Open (R16) Auger-Aliassime beat Sinner, 2-6 7-6(1) 6-1 2025 Cincinnati Open (QF) Sinner beat Auger-Aliassime, 6-0 6-2

Auger-Aliassime will be looking to extend his lead in the head-to-head and become the first player to beat Sinner at a hard court major since the 2023 US Open.

The semifinal between Auger-Aliassime and Sinner will be the night session match on Arthur Ashe Stadium on Friday, September 5.

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