Tennis news: Felix Auger-Aliassime, Victoria Azarenka, and Frances Tiafoe

Felix Auger-Aliassime is playing some of his best tennis in years. He is into the semifinals of the Mutua Madrid Open facing Jiri Lehecka for a spot in the finals on Sunday. FAA has worked with Rafael Nadal's uncle, Toni Nadal, over the years. This was famously depicted in Netflix's Break Point docuseries when FAA played Rafael Nadal putting Toni in an awkward position.

FAA recently provided a coaching update stating that he is not currently working with Toni Nadal. It sounded more like a hiatus instead of a final break. The pair, who began working together in April 2021, remain in contact with each other, but for now, Auger-Aliassime's father is traveling with him more frequently. Frederic Fontag who has been with FAA since 2017 is assuming more responsibilities.

While FAA powers on in Madrid, Victoria Azarenka is in training after losing in the Round of 32 to Sara Sorribes Tormo in straight sets. Azarenka showed her social media followers her new Nike running sneakers. Vika loves them but admits that running is not her favorite thing. This is another reason for us to love Vika; she is one of us. Azarenka is expected to be on court next in the Italian Open beginning May 7.

Frances Tiafoe loses Challengers match

Thohse who think playing tennis is all glamour and glitz should think again. The ebbs and flows of a tennis career are difficult to manage. American Frances Tiafoe is suffering through a slump. He has changed coaches and is working hard to get out of it.

Another way he is facing the slump head-on is by playing a Challengers match in Italy. Tiafoe lost in straight sets to Federico Coria 1-6, 5-7. It was not the result he wanted, but he enters the Italian Open with more match play under his belt.

It is only a matter of time before the 26-year-old 2022 US Open semifinalist finds his game. At his best, he is an exciting player to watch. In the near term, Tiafoe would like to log some European clay court wins. (He lost in his first round in Madrid to Pedro Cachin in three sets.)

The Paris Olympics are coming. Tiafoe is the fourth highest ranked American behind Taylor Fritz, Ben Shelton, and Tommy Paul, but Sebastian Korda is looming behind. This could be the most competitive men's team in years, but qualifying could be a challengeat this rate for the slumping Tiafoe.

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