“We’ve got all the chances to go all the way and win”: Felix Auger-Aliassime confident alongside Victoria Mboko at United Cup

Felix Auger-Aliassime spoke upon his arrival at the United Cup as he began preparations for the new season in Australia. The Canadian world No. 5 is set to compete in the mixed-team event for the third time in his career, using the tournament as his only warm-up ahead of the Australian Open. Sydney welcomes him as a central figure for Canada’s ambitions at the start of 2026.

The 25-year-old closed the 2025 season in strong form, finishing as world No. 5 after winning three titles and reaching the final of the Paris Masters. He also made deep runs at the US Open and the ATP Finals, confirming his return to consistent elite-level results. That momentum has made his arrival in Australia one of the most closely watched among top players entering the new season.

Auger-Aliassime arrives with renewed energy after a demanding year on tour, balancing rest and preparation during the offseason. His travel to Australia came with a personal element, as he spent the holiday period on the move alongside his family and team. The Canadian highlighted the importance of using this brief window to reset mentally before the intensity of a new campaign begins.

“It was good (Christmas)… in the plane. So a little bit different. You know, that’s our life for tennis players, and we enjoy it. I’m travelling with my wife and my team, my dad… so yeah, we have a good trip,” commented the Canadian. “Christmas on the plane and now we’re here to get ready to play. It was a good break, it was a long year for me in 2025, and we’ve got a few more days of 2025 now and getting ready for the new year, the new season.”

This edition of the United Cup represents a fresh opportunity for Auger-Aliassime after mixed experiences in previous years. In 2024, physical issues limited him to mixed doubles only, while in 2025 he partnered Leylah Fernandez, with Canada eliminated in the round-robin stage. This time, expectations are higher, driven by form, fitness and a new partnership..

Canada will be represented by Auger-Aliassime and 19-year-old Victoria Mboko, the reigning Canadian Open champion and current world No. 18. Mboko’s rapid rise has added a new dynamic to the team, combining youth and confidence with Auger-Aliassime’s experience at the highest level.

The North Americans will open their campaign against China on January 4, facing Zhu Lin and Zhang Zhizhen, before meeting Belgium on January 6 with Elise Mertens and Zizou Bergs leading the European side. With only a few ties to decide qualification, early performances will be critical. Auger-Aliassime’s singles matches, in particular, are expected to set the tone for Canada’s chances of advancing.

Beyond national competition, the United Cup carries individual significance for Auger-Aliassime as his sole preparation event before Melbourne. He will enter the Australian Open as the fifth seed, a position that reflects his strong finish to 2025 and places him among the title contenders. The matches in Australia offer a valuable opportunity to test adjustments made during the offseason and his chances of threatening the dominance of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz in major tournaments.

Auger-Aliassime also reflected positively on his previous experience in Perth, while acknowledging the changes awaiting him this year with matches split between venues.“I’m excited,” Auger-Aliassime said. “I had a great time last year in Perth. So, now it’s a new venue for me. First time playing the United Cup in Sydney. I think we have a great team with Vicky (Mboko) as well. We’ve got all the chances to go all the way and win. That’s what we are here for, and I am very excited to get it started.”