Felix Auger-Aliassime reveals Roger Federer congratulated him after Rotterdam win, says "it's a nice feeling"

Felix Auger-Aliassime said that Roger Federer congratulated him after his win at the Rotterdam Open
Felix Auger-Aliassime said that Roger Federer congratulated him after his win at the Rotterdam Open

Felix Auger-Aliassime has revealed the congratulatory message he received from Roger Federer after winning his maiden title at the Rotterdam Open last week.

The Canadian, seeded No. 3 at the ATP 500 tournament, survived a scare from Egor Gerasimov in the first round, before beating Andy Murray and Cameron Norrie in straight sets to reach the semifinals.

He fought back from a set down to beat reigning champion Andrey Rublev in the last four, before taking down top seed Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4, 6-2 to win his first title in his ninth final.

Speaking to We Are Tennis, the 21-year-old said it felt great to finally get the monkey off his back, adding that Federer congratulated him on his triumph.

"It feels amazing, it's great, I mean, it's something I've been aiming for, for a long time," Auger-Aliassime said. "I was quite close a few times, like you all probably know. So to finally lift it was a special moment, very emotional moment for me and my family. Yea, a big relief."
"Yes it's true, he (Federer) sent me a message. He said to me, 'I am happy for you.' It's a nice feeling."

When asked about how he celebrated his win, the World No. 9 said he had dinner with his family and his girlfriend.

"I kept it very simple," the Canadian said. "With my family, and my girlfriend and my team and then just a nice, nice dinner, we toasted to a bottle of champagne. And then, that's it, came back to the hotel, had to pack my bags as I was leaving next morning. That's the life of a tennis player."

Felix Auger-Aliassime shifts focus to Marseille

The Canadian will be looking to triumph at the Open 13 in Marseille
The Canadian will be looking to triumph at the Open 13 in Marseille

Following his triumph in Rotterdam, Felix Auger-Aliassime traveled to Marseille to compete at the Open 13, where he is the third seed. He received a bye to the second round, where he will face home favorite Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

Victory for the Canadian would secure a quarterfinal showdown with fifth seed Ilya Ivashka. He is projected to meet Stefanos Tsitsipas in the semifinals.

Who Are Roger Federer's Kids? Know All About Federer's Twins