Auger-Aliassime & Shapovalov: The dream team with a whole lot of heart

HALLE, Germany — Friendly, courteous, open-minded and down-to-earth: words that describe Felix Auger-Aliassime and Denis Shapovalov equally well. Whether interacting with fans, tournament staff or members of the media, the two Canadians exude a healthy self-confidence paired with an engaging warmth. They respond to all questions with interest, and their answers are wisely chosen and completely authentic.

When Tennis Channel DE met the two individually in Halle at the Terra Wortmann Open, they shared their enthusiasm for German tournaments. Both Auger Aliassime and Shapovalov already played at the BOSS OPEN in Stuttgart last week.

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"I've only been here once before, but being so close to the courts makes it very relaxed," said Shapovalov. "I think the German tournaments are very well organized and that gives us a good feeling during the tournament. I really enjoy playing in Germany."

The two Canadians have risen to the top of world tennis almost in perfect sync—but they are much more than rivals; they are friends.

Auger-Aliassime on German fans: "They love tennis."

The 24-year-old Auger-Aliassime expressed similar sentiments: "I love the German tournaments. At the beginning of the year, I played in Munich, then in Hamburg, in Stuttgart and now in Halle. This is a really great tournament, and I have some good memories here."

What makes the tournament in Halle so special is its rural location and, of course, the players' hotel, which is right next to the stadium. "Halle is a nice little town. In the morning, we always try to go and get a coffee, but there's not really much to do here. So I train a lot and spend some relaxing time with my team," said Shapo, as he likes to be called.

What particularly struck Auger-Aliassime were the German fans: "They love tennis. It feels like the country has a big interest in the sport. They've had some great champions in the past and some top players today, such as Alexander Zverev," he said.

"This nation follows tennis. Wherever I play in Germany, people come to watch us train and see the players."

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Auger-Aliassime's seven ATP titles mean he is no stranger to the global stage and attracts tennis fans in Germany too, regardless of whether he is playing singles or doubles.

"The court was full. And it's just nice when your name is announced and the kids come to watch you play. That's probably the best thing about playing in Germany."

But more than their very similar attitudes, mindsets and character traits, Auger-Aliassime and Shapovalov are also connected by their career paths. "We've been playing together since we could hold a racket. So we know each other very well," laughed Shapovalov.

Shapovalov on Auger-Aliassime: ‘The chemistry is just right!’

So it comes as no surprise that they are back on court together in Halle for doubles. They have played together in the Davis Cup and numerous other tournaments, but are yet to win an ATP Tour title.

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"It's really fun to play doubles with a good friend," said Auger-Aliassime. "Sometimes we don't play together for months, but as soon as we start again, it feels very natural."

But what makes the Canadians such a good team?

"I know what to expect from his instincts," explained Auger-Aliassime. "And he knows what to expect from mine."

"I would describe us as very energetic and powerful," added Shapovalov.

We know each other so well and the chemistry between us is just right.

The Canadians demonstrated this chemistry in Halle, where they first defeated home hopes Jan-Lennard Struff and Max Schönhaus and then the third-seeded duo Evan King and Christian Harrison in the last 16.

"It's really easy to be on the court when Felix returns at 9-8," Shapovalov grinned after winning the tiebreak against Evans/Harrison.

"It's no problem for me, I can just go home."

The duo added:

We know each other so well, have a good time on court and just enjoy ourselves.

As juniors, they won the Wimbledon doubles title together, but winning a senior trophy in doubles is not their main goal—even if it would be a nice bonus, of course. "It's more about us, being on the court together and having fun—even if it would be a nice result. We'll give our best in singles and doubles and try to win as many matches as possible."

So it's not just the duo's warm demeanor that captivates tennis fans, but also the special bond they share. It doesn't matter whether they're playing in their home country of Canada, in the USA, Australia or even in Germany—it's just fun to watch them.