Top-10 upset alert: Felix Auger-Aliassime forced to retire against in first round against Borges
ATPMonday, 19 January 2026 at 03:45
Félix Auger-Aliassime retired injured from his first-round Australian Open match against Nuno Borges. The Canadian was one set down when a left-thigh injury forced him to withdraw, giving Portuguese player Nuno Borges a passage to the second round and marking the first top-10 exit in the men's draw.
Auger-Aliassime entered the tournament in impeccable form over the past months—especially after a remarkable finish to 2025 that propelled him into the ATP top 5. However, he faces a disappointing start to the year.
Fortunately, the Canadian was not defending many points—having only reached the second round in 2025—so his ranking should not be significantly affected. For now, he drops one spot to No. 8, and the severity of the injury, reportedly in the thigh or hamstring, will need to be assessed.
Borges stuns Auger-Aliassime
The match itself became secondary as Auger-Aliassime showed promising signs in the first set. Maintaining his usual service consistency, he waited for his opportunities on return—his first appearing in the fifth game—and took the lead by earning the first break. Without much trouble, he held serve to close the set and secured a second break, taking it 6-3.
It seemed like a straightforward day, aligned with the Canadian’s favourite status, but complications arose from the second set. His first-serve success rate dropped from 69% in the first set to just 56% in the second, which proved costly as it gave Borges—an especially tricky opponent with a strong return—some chances. The European took advantage, winning two consecutive breaks to take the set 6-4.
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By the third set, Auger-Aliassime had regained service consistency, though Borges managed to keep up the pace. The Portuguese showed he was ready to compete on equal terms with the world No. 7, delivering a solid performance by conceding only three service points. At this stage, Auger-Aliassime felt physical discomfort, eventually conceding a break—and the set—to Borges, who took a two-sets-to-one lead.
The physical issues proved too much for the Canadian, who chose not to risk continuing after the start of the fourth set. Aware of the long road ahead to turn the match around, Auger-Aliassime retired after winning only a couple of points in the fourth set.
Borges advances to the second round and will face the winner of the match between Jordan Thompson (wildcard) and Juan Manuel Cerúndolo.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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