“it’s kind of the best scenario”: Felix Auger-Aliassime ready for Canadian Open debut after Olympic bronze

Felix Auger-Aliassime (No. 19) had an outstanding week at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 and returns to Canada with a bronze medal for his country. The former world No. 6 came close to a singles medal but fell in the third-place playoff to Lorenzo Musetti.

However, the tennis player returns to Canada with a bronze medal in mixed doubles, partnering with doubles specialist Gabriela Dabrowski. They had a notable performance en route to the final, including a tough victory against Coco Gauff and Taylor Fritz in the quarterfinals.

The Canadian had some notable performances on the clay courts of Paris 2024. In the singles draw, he was the unexpected semifinalist after defeating Daniil Medvedev and Casper Ruud, although he couldn't reach the final, falling decisively to Carlos Alcaraz.

A similar situation occurred in mixed doubles with Dabrowski, as they also fell in the semifinals to the Czech duo Katerina Siniakova and Tomas Machac. In the third-place match, together with Dabrowski, they overcame specialists Demi Schuurs and Wesley Koolhof to win the coveted bronze medal.

Upon arriving in Montreal for the next Masters 1000 of the season, Auger-Aliassime reflected on his great week in Paris: “It’s special this timing because obviously the Olympics was amazing for me and the Canadian Team with Gabi (Dabrowski) as well,” Auger-Aliassime said. “And to come right away to Montreal, I think it’s kind of the best scenario in a way because I get to come back with the medal and show it to all my family and friends, and then play at home, after everybody was supporting me throughout the week.”

“To see all these people that have been supporting me, the Montreal fans, and home fans that have been watching the whole week, that they get to now see me in person the week right after, I think is extra special. So, I hope I can give it back to them and put on a good performance here as well.”