Felix Auger-Aliassime tells rivals to 'stay home' in blistering ATP Finals rant

Felix Auger-Aliassime has reminded his rivals that they don't have to keep competing on the tour if they don't enjoy it. The lengthy tennis season has become a hot topic in recent months, with some players struggling to stay motivated week in, week out. But Auger-Aliassime says they can "stay home" if they want to play fewer tournaments.

The Canadian is in action at the season-ending ATP Finals, and he's through to the semi-finals of the prestigious tournament for the first time. Auger-Aliassime has rediscovered his best tennis in recent months and was quizzed over his level of motivation and passion this late in the season.

In Auger-Aliassime's eyes, there's no reason not to enjoy life on the tennis tour, even if he loses a match. And he believes that his colleagues have "lost perspective" if they don't feel the same.

The world No. 8 said: "I don't know how guys don't enjoy it, to be honest. I think they lost perspective completely. I get that you can get tired. I'm tired, too. I do trips around and I go see different circumstances around the world. I mean, we're just lucky and blessed.

"In my humble opinion, every day I wake up and I enjoy. I enjoy that I'm here. Even if I lose matches, it's okay, I'm p***ed for a day.

"I don't know. If you want to play less tournaments, stay home. Nobody's forcing you to be here."

The 25-year-old's approach certainly seems to be paying off. Auger-Aliassime reached his second career Grand Slam semi-final at the US Open in September, and has been flying ever since.

The Canadian finished runner-up at the recent Paris Masters and is now through to the semi-finals of the ATP Finals, having beaten Ben Shelton and Alexander Zverev in the group stage. He now faces Carlos Alcaraz for a spot in the championship match

Auger-Aliassime also gave some food for thought earlier in the week when asked whether he'd ever been afraid before stepping onto the court for a match, especially against the likes of Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner.

"I've never been because, I mean, we're not going to war, you know? Let's have some perspective. Like, I do put in my mind that it's a battle, a tennis battle. I'm very focused, very driven. Never been afraid of a tennis match. More focused that when you play at this level, everything needs to be very disciplined and very precise from the first moments," he replied.