How Felix Auger‑Aliassime Crafts His Signature Forehand Grip

When you watch Felix Auger‑Aliassime dominate a baseline rally, one detail catches the eye before the ball even leaves his racquet: the way his hand embraces the handle. It isn’t a textbook “Eastern” or “Semi‑Western” grip; it’s a subtle hybrid that lets him generate power, spin, and a surprising amount of control. Let’s break down the mechanics, the why behind his choice, and what aspiring players can take away.

What Makes a Forehand Grip Work?

At its core, a forehand grip is the connection between hand and racquet. It determines:

• How the strings meet the ball
• The angle of the racquet face at contact
• The lever arm for generating topspin or flat power

Most coaches teach a single “ideal” grip for beginners, but the pro circuit shows a spectrum of variations. Auger‑Aliassime’s grip sits somewhere between a classic Semi‑Western and a more open, slightly rotated hand position.

Key Elements of Felix’s Grip

1. Base Position – Semi‑Western Foundation

He starts with the knuckle of his index finger on bevel 4 (if you number the eight bevels clockwise for a right‑hander). This gives the racquet a natural closed face, perfect for topspin.

2. Slight Rotation – The “Open‑ish” Twist

Unlike a strict Semi‑Western, Felix rotates his hand a few degrees clockwise, nudging the knuckle toward bevel 5. This opens the racquet face just enough to flatten the trajectory when he’s on the attack.

3. Relaxed Wrist – Fluid Transfer

His wrist remains loose until the last split‑second before impact, allowing the racquet to “roll” over the ball. The result is a smooth transition from low to high swing path, which translates into that crisp, penetrating forehand.

Why This Grip Suits His Game

Auger‑Aliassime thrives on aggressive baseline play, but he also has a reputation for improvisation. A hybrid grip gives him two strategic options without having to reset his hand:

• Power Mode: The slightly open position lets him drive the ball flat, ideal for finishing points quickly.
• Spin Mode: When he needs extra margin, he can subtly close the face by rotating his hand back toward bevel 4, adding depth and spin.

This duality is especially useful on faster surfaces like hard courts, where the balance between pace and spin can be the difference between a winner and a forced error.

How to Emulate the Grip (Without Turning Into a Copycat)

Before you mimic Felix note that grip comfort is personal. Use his approach as a template, then adjust to your own hand size and swing style.

Step‑by‑Step Guide

Step 1 – Find Bevel 4

Hold your racquet in the standard Continental grip (bevel 2). Rotate the handle clockwise until your index knuckle lands on bevel 4. You should feel a natural “closed” face.

Step 2 – Add a Touch of Openness

Turn the handle another half‑beat toward bevel 5. Your index knuckle now hovers between bevel 4 and 5. Check that the racquet face isn’t too open; you should still be able to generate topspin without chopping.

Step 3 – Test with Light Swings

Hit a few balls using a relaxed wrist. Notice if the ball lifts too much (over‑spun) or stays too low (flat). Minor tweaks—either a tiny extra rotation or a slightly tighter wrist—can fine‑tune the result.

Step 4 – Practice the Transition

During a rally, practice shifting a fraction of a degree between the “power” and “spin” positions. The move should be almost imperceptible; you’re essentially using the same hand placement but letting the racquet face naturally adapt.

Common Pitfalls to Watch For

Even seasoned players can stumble when trying to adopt a hybrid grip.

• Over‑Rotating: Moving too far toward bevel 5 flattens the racquet excessively, causing mishits on high balls.
• Stiff Wrist: If you keep the wrist locked, you’ll lose the fluid “roll‑over” that gives Auger‑Aliassime’s forehand its smoothness.
• Neglecting Footwork: Grip tweaks won’t compensate for poor positioning; always pair the hand adjustment with solid base steps.

What the Pros Say

Coaches on the ATP tour note that Felix’s grip reflects his “adaptive” mindset. One former coach observed, “He doesn’t force a single grip; he uses the handle as an extension of his forearm, letting the racquet shape the shot.” This philosophy mirrors a broader trend: elite players favoring versatile, slightly open grips to cope with the modern game’s speed.

Bottom Line

Felix Auger‑Aliassime’s forehand grip isn’t a secret formula, but a thoughtful blend of Semi‑Western stability and a hint of openness for added aggression. By understanding the mechanics—base bevel, subtle rotation, relaxed wrist—you can experiment with a similar setup and discover whether it enhances your own baseline arsenal. Remember, the goal isn’t to copy flawlessly but to find a comfortable pocket that lets your natural swing shine.