Canadian tennis star Felix Auger-Aliassime saw his 2023 Canadian Open run come to an early end, as he crashed out in the opening round of the National Bank Open in Toronto.

The tenth seed fell in straight sets to Australian qualifier Max Purcell, with this loss adding to his already subpar string of performances this season. Auger-Aliassime has lost in the opening round of his last four tournaments, with the latest loss at his home event raising a cause for alarm.

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Auger-Aliassime takes responsibility for latest slump

The World No.12 spoke to reporters after his loss in Toronto, where he refused to blame his coaching team for his string of losses and bad form. Furthermore, he stated he felt good before the match, but experienced a poor start, which set him back.

"I don't think the solution is there (in coaching)," admitted Auger-Aliassime. "I have the same people around me who brought me there last year. We are all in solution mode internally to see how I can play better. But the main culprit is me. It's up to me to find the solution.

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"I fight a little with myself. I felt good in training the last few days, but to start [the game] badly like that, it's totally my fault. It was the worst way to start a game, especially in a period like I'm living right now."

Auger-Aliassime is currently coached by a team including Toni Nadal, uncle and former mentor of Rafael Nadal, and former French player Frédéric Fontang.