The crucial stroke: Felix Auger-Aliassime’s secret weapon for Madrid Open

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Felix Auger-Aliassime is aiming to capture his first ATP Masters 1000 title at this year’s Madrid Open, where he came close to the same feat two years ago.

He reached the final of that tournament, only to fall short against Andrey Rublev.

This time around, he’s already improved on that performance, advancing past the early stages in this season’s event.

The Canadian took a bye through the first round and then defeated Vilius Gaubas in straight sets to move into the third round.

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Felix Auger-Aliassime opens up about Madrid Open conditions

When asked by the Tennis Channel about competing at Madrid’s high altitude, Auger-Aliassime responded: “I think if you serve well, it’s very effective.

“Obviously, forehand as well, you know, like Casper last year, obviously heavy forehand, it’s going to jump even more, and so you have to play with topspin.

“If you play flat, you know, it might fly on you a little bit, so you have to be careful with that. But with the serve. I know Sascha Zverev is playing right now and he loves the conditions here.”

The Canadian will face Ben Shelton in his next match in Madrid as he looks to build on his impressive start to the 2026 campaign. Auger-Aliassime has already picked up two ATP Tour titles this year following wins at the Rotterdam Open and Mexican Open.

Felix Auger-Aliassime’s third-round opponent at the Madrid Open

Auger-Aliassime will face 21-year-old Alexander Blockx in the third round of the Madrid Open.

Blockx, who finished runner-up at the 2025 Next Gen ATP Finals, has battled back from a set down in both of his matches in Madrid so far.