Auger-Aliassime: "Djokovic is a great example for everyone"

Pedro de Pablos | 3 Feb 2026 | 20.54

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Felix Auger-Aliassime has not started the year as expected. The Canadian tennis player suffered a hard blow in the first round of the 2026 Australian Open, where he had to retire against Nuno Borges due to physical problems. In the lead-up to the Montpellier ATP 250, the world number eight has talked about how he has recovered from that setback, and the luck that both he and the rest of the players have in having Novak Djokovic on the tour.

Djokovic managed to reach the final after eliminating Jannik Sinner, the reigning champion, showing that he continues to aim for any tournament that comes up. For Felix, it is a blessing to have him as a reference. "He is the greatest player of all time. What is impressive about him is not only his level of play but his resilience. Bouncing back after defeats, preparing, waiting for the next Grand Slam for months... His constant passion for the sport, his ability to stay fit and motivated, is an example for everyone," he affirmed.

Regarding his physical condition, Auger-Aliassime played down what happened in Australia, as his withdrawal was due to cramps that prevented him from continuing to play. "I have been at 100% since I got home. I have been training well, I just had cramps during the match." However, he continues to undergo tests to understand why it happened in such an early round with minimal exertion, as it is not normal for a player of his caliber.

Auger-Aliassime believes he can break into the top 5 of the rankings

Felix was not the only one to suffer from cramps in Australia, as Jannik Sinner (vs. Spizzirri) and Carlos Alcaraz (vs. Zverev) were on the verge of being knocked out of the tournament due to a similar situation, although that does not console the Canadian. "It is normal to see players like Carlos or Jannik having cramps at certain times, given the climatic conditions, the emotions, and the intensity of today's tennis. It did not necessarily reassure me, but it helped me reflect on how I can improve," he concluded.

One thing Aliassime is certain of is that his ceiling is not at number five in the rankings, which he reached at the end of last season, as if he achieves consistency, he sees himself capable of achieving great things on the tour. "I have always had very high ambitions, but I am gaining maturity and a lot of confidence. Being ranked fifth in the world is great, but I hope to reach even higher."

Aliassime will begin his title defense in Montpellier against Medjedovic or Wawrinka

The key is for his body to respect him, as the Canadian has more than enough tennis skills, returning in 2025 to remind everyone of the young player who burst onto the scene and could pose a problem for anyone. "The season has just begun. I hope to stay healthy for as long as possible, and if I do, many things are within my reach," he revealed.

For now, his first stop is this Montpellier ATP 250, where he defends last year's title. Despite not being able to earn points, it will be a litmus test to see where he currently stands from the round of 16, where he will face the winner of the match between Hamad Medjedovic and Stan Wawrinka.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Auger-Aliassime: "Djokovic es un gran ejemplo para todos"