“Five straight losses didn’t stop him”: Auger-Aliassime on Djokovic’s Australian Open run

Felix Auger-Aliassime did not have a great start to the year, after suffering an injury in the first round of the Australian Open, retiring mid-match against Portugal’s Nuno Borges. His early elimination forced adjustments to the Canadian’s schedule, who will quickly return to the courts this week at the Open Occitanie in Montpellier.

The 25-year-old player was one of those who finished the 2025 season in the best form, reaching his best-ever ranking as world No. 5. However, the start of 2026 has not been as positive: he only recorded one win and one loss at the United Cup and was eliminated almost as soon as the Aussie Open began, modest results for someone who ended last year ranked world No. 5.

For that reason, Auger-Aliassime opted to return quickly to the courts after the Australian swing, and he is the only top-10 player competing this week. The Canadian had not originally planned to play the Open Occitanie in Montpellier – where he is the defending champion – but the early exit at the Australian Open forced him to make a last-minute adjustment to his schedule.

“To be completely honest, this year the objective was to return to a higher ranking, back into the world top 10, and to prepare myself well for the biggest tournaments, perform well in them and have some rest time between those events,” said Auger-Aliassime. “That didn’t go the way I wanted in Australia, not at all.”

“In the end, I didn’t really launch my season, because I played matches that I didn’t finish and where I didn’t feel good physically. Now, Montpellier is the opportunity to truly start my year, play matches, and hopefully go all the way.”

One year ago, Felix was playing his third tournament of the season in Montpellier and captured his second career title there, after defeating Alexander Kovacevic in the final. This time, his ambition is to repeat the result from a year ago. “Every player who enters a tournament wants to go all the way. I’m no exception,” commented the 2025 Paris Masters runner-up.

“Obviously, I have even more reasons to want to win, since I’m defending my title. It’s always a privilege to return to a tournament you’ve won, especially the year before. I hope to go all the way, but first I still have some matches to play.”

Despite his early elimination in Melbourne, Auger-Aliassime closely followed what was happening at the Happy Slam. During a press conference in Montpellier, he was asked about the campaign of 38-year-old Novak Djokovic up to the final.

“He was exceptional against Sinner in the semifinal. We are talking about Novak Djokovic, the greatest player of all time,” the Canadian assured. “In fact, what is impressive is his resilience, beyond his exceptional level of play and his record.”

“He had lost five matches in a row against Sinner, but every time he prepares himself and comes back. All that waiting between Grand Slam tournaments, where you have to win matches to maintain a high ranking… That is what impresses me. He stays fit, prepares himself, and doesn’t lose the desire to come back. He’s a great example for all of us.”

Felix himself has lessons to draw when thinking about his own rivalry with Sinner. He has suffered four consecutive defeats against the Italian – all between August and November 2025 – including the semifinals of the US Open and the final of the Paris Masters. Sinner won nine of the ten sets they played.

The irregular results at the start of the year have already caused Auger-Aliassime to lose positions in the rankings, arriving in Montpellier ranked as world No. 8. The Canadian hopes to quickly get back on track early in the season and then look to take a step forward, both in the rankings and in results at the big tournaments.

“I’ve always had big ambitions from the beginning, but yes, I think I’m gaining maturity and deep confidence, not just in the moment,” commented Auger-Aliassime. “Obviously, there is confidence in the moment, but there is also confidence in myself, which grows stronger year after year, regardless of results.”

“I keep believing in myself. A fifth place in the world ranking is great, but I always hope to climb a little higher. First, I hope to be as healthy as possible. If that’s the case, a lot is within my reach.”

Felix will make his debut this Wednesday, February 4, in the second round of the Occitanie Open after receiving a bye in the first round. He awaits the winner between three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka and young Serbian Hamad Medjedovic, former Next Gen ATP Finals champion.