Auger-Aliassime keen to ride wave of momentum

Rising Canadian star Felix Auger-Aliassime said yesterday he was determined to "improve and improve” in a bid to keep riding the wave of success he enjoyed over the closing stages of 2022.Speaking ahead of the season-opening Adelaide International, the 22-year-old said his brilliant late-season form had nothing to do with luck and was all down to his preparation. The world number six won three tournaments in October and November before leading Canada to Davis Cup glory when they beat Australia in the final. He said he wanted to take that form into the Australian summer."When you have it, you try to ride that wave as long as it lasts, or at least you try to see what’s working and you try to kind of keep going with what’s working as much as you can,” Auger-Aliassime said at a press conference."I feel like momentum plays a huge role on your confidence."For me, it’s been great in the last few months. I like to understand why it’s happening, right?"I try to recreate it, not just think it’s some sort of stars aligned or some type of luck that you’re just trying to ride a wave on."I think there’s reasons behind success - I feel like it’s about understanding why you’re succeeding constantly and trying to do it again.”The Canadian number one, who is seeded second in Adelaide behind Novak Djokovic, said he constantly analysed his game to try and improve."With wins and losses, all the time I try to see what’s working, what’s not,” he said. "Then I try to improve and improve and improve."But things have been working really well in the last few months for me, so hopefully that keeps going. I’m confident with the way I’ve been training, with the way I’ve prepared."My body’s feeling good. My mind also. I’m confident that I can keep on playing some good tennis.” Auger-Aliassime plays a qualifier in the first round.

Rune looks to build on success after surreal season

Holger Rune said his surge up the world rankings in a stellar 12 months felt surreal, but the Danish teenager is fully focused on building on the momentum in 2023 as he gears up for the season’s first Grand Slam in Australia.The 19-year-old won three titles in 2022, including his first ATP Masters 1000 crown in Paris, where he defeated 21-times major champion Novak Djokovic in the final after getting past four other top-10 players along the way.Rune begins his season on Sunday against Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka at the Adelaide International, a tournament where he was ranked 103 in January. The ATP Newcomer of the Year admitted his rise to number 11 felt dreamlike. "Yeah, it’s happened a lot. I still remember when I was here one year ago and to be here at a different ranking and different everything, it feels great. It’s been a great season,” Rune told a news conference on Saturday when asked if 2022 felt "surreal”."Obviously some ups and downs, as well, but all in all, I keep improving, keep believing and I’m happy where I am right now. But still I want to continue to do better.”Rune said he had extended his partnership with Patrick Mouratoglou, who initially came on board as his coach in October until the end of the year, with the noted Frenchman now set to work with him at the Australian Open."It’s great to have him in my team. We have a lot of fun both on and off the court and he’s a really good coach. He’s coming with a lot of good advice to me, both mentally, Tennis, everything,” Rune said. Rune said his 2022 exploits meant he had earned the respect of his opponents but there was also a target on his back. "But I don’t really think about it. I just think it’s great that I keep believing, working, improving and that’s really what I focus on,” Rune said.