Felix Auger-Aliassime closed the 2025 season having crossed a long-awaited threshold, earning a top-5 year-end honor.
The Canadian embraced a new approach that placed long-term health above short-term security.
Felix collected 50 ATP victories this season and lifted three ATP titles. His year-end ranking position is a reward for consistency and growth. However, the 25-year-old places his well-being above everything.
Auger-Aliassime established himself as one of the most reliable performers on the circuit. While performing poorly at the opening three Majors and embracing ups and downs, Felix wrapped up the year on a high note, gathering a boost from the US Open semi-final.
While praising his improvements in the closing months of the season, the Canadian admitted that his biggest step forward came in how he managed his body and schedule.
The 25-year-old acknowledged tangible improvements in multiple areas of his game. He also recognized that progress means little without physical durability.
He had to test that mindset in the closing weeks of the season. Entering the US Open as world no. 27, Auger-Aliassime earned himself a chance of competing in Turin following deep runs in New York and during the indoor swing.
The Canadian reached the Paris Masters final and cracked the top-8, almost securing that final ticket for Turin. However, instead of punching it in Metz the following week, he decided to withdraw and rest his body.
The potential risk? Losing the ATP Finals spot to Lorenzo Musetti, who chased the crown in Athens. In the end, the Italian fell to Novak Djokovic in the final, with Felix returning to the ATP Finals after three years.
Instead of chasing points and pushing his body to the limits in the closing days of the season, Auger-Aliassime prioritized injury prevention and framed a long-term picture.
The gamble paid off, although Djokovic withdrew from Turin anyway. Felix entered the ATP Finals competitive and confident. Despite some knee issues, he bested two rivals and booked his spot in the semi-final.
His run ended against Carlos Alcaraz, but those two victories were enough to push him into the year-end top-5. Thus, the Canadian proved that listening to his body can be just as powerful as chasing wins.
"I think I'm a better player, with several aspects of my game improved. I have realized that my priority is health, and that this necessarily leads me to make different choices in my schedule.
When I did not go to Metz to secure my place at the ATP Finals, I did compromise my chances of going to Turin. However, it was necessary to avoid the risk of injury. Now, I want to make choices that respect my physical well-being," Felix Auger-Aliassime said.
