A ball kid briefly stole the spotlight on Monday at the Rolex Shanghai Masters, stepping in to help Felix Auger-Aliassime late in the Canadian’s match against Jesper de Jong. Serving at 6-4, 4-5, 15/30, the No. 13 player in the PIF ATP Rankings sprinted after a drop shot, lunged, and slipped, ending up seated on the hard court at the ATP Masters 1000 event. As he prepared to stand, a ball kid came onto the court and pulled him up, drawing loud cheers from the crowd.
Auger-Aliassime’s Resilience and Next Match
Auger-Aliassime regrouped and closed out a 6-4, 7-5 victory to move into the next round, where he will face either Lorenzo Musetti or Luciano Darderi. The 25-year-old sits 10th in the PIF ATP Live Race to Turin as he targets a second appearance at the season-ending Nitto ATP Finals, scheduled for November 9-16. He is 36-19 this season, according to ATP statistics, showcasing his impressive performance on the tour.
The interaction with the ball kid not only highlighted the sportsmanship present in tennis but also showcased the importance of support during high-pressure moments. Auger-Aliassime’s ability to bounce back from a slip demonstrates his mental toughness, a vital trait for success in competitive sports. As he progresses through the tournament, fans will be eager to see how his experience and skill play out against his next opponents.
Moreover, with his recent marriage to his long-term partner Nina, there seems to be a positive energy surrounding Auger-Aliassime, which could further boost his performance on the court. As the Rolex Shanghai Masters continues, all eyes will be on him as he aims for a strong finish in this prestigious event and prepares for the upcoming ATP Finals.