Aliassime explodes after his clash with Davidovich at Wimbledon: "If you're injured, you retire"

Pedro de Pablos | 5 Jul 2026 | 22.54

Aliassime explodes after his squabble with Davidovich at Wimbledon: "If you're injured, you withdraw". Source: Getty Images.

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Felix Auger-Aliassime has defeated Alejandro Davidovich in the Wimbledon 2026 round of 16, with controversy included, as both had their ups and downs at the end of the match. It all stemmed from a twisted ankle suffered by the Spanish player in the fourth set which halted the match, a situation that the Canadian player criticized heavily in the press conference.

Auger-Aliassime was serving to win the match, and with Davidovich leading 15-40, the Spanish player called for the physio due to an ankle twist. Eventually, Alejandro managed to break and won the set in the tiebreak, but ultimately Felix won the fifth set to secure his spot in the quarterfinals. Despite Davidovich trying to explain the situation, the Canadian player did not understand and criticized the rules for allowing such scenarios, even refusing to shake hands with Alejandro.

Aliassime explains his conflict with Davidovich

"Well, I don't want to get into details about the interactions between him and me. If he wants to come here to talk about it, he can, but he knows my opinion. That is one of the things I disagree with the people in my circle on the circuit. They know what I think. That is the most important thing. However, what I can say is that I believe the rule needs to change. I think, obviously, as long as the rule remains like this, a player will use it to their advantage.

I think it is very simple: if you are very injured, or whatever causes your injury, while your opponent is playing, in the middle of the game, your opponent is serving, the serve clock is ticking... If you are seriously injured, you should lose all points until you can call the physio. If the physio helps you recover, you continue with your service game. If you are severely injured, then you retire, obviously. But stopping in the middle of your opponent's service game and being able to call the physio, I find it a disgrace of a rule. I don't know of any other sport where that is allowed. I'm serious. It is a shameful rule."

Have you spoken to anyone from the organization about it?

I didn't need to talk about it. The conversation continues. But no one is making decisions. You know what I mean? It's as if they were saying, 'Yes, it will come in the future.' No. It's simple: 2027 comes, you change the rules, and the conversation is over. Enough talking.

Thrilling match against Davidovich

"Yes, it is one of those Grand Slam matches that you remember. I have played quite a few throughout my career. I have lost some. This one was important, and I had to win it. Obviously, it would have been tough to lose. I am very happy with how I handled the situation, how I competed, and how I finished the match in the end."

Aliassime explains how he bounced back after losing the fourth set

"For me, the intentions on the court are what matter. At the end of the fourth set, I was winning, with a break advantage, but every point I rethink my strategy and I have to have clear intentions. I don't regret, so to speak, the end of the fourth set. It was 15-40. He hit a backhand down the line. Then, I had a great return. I analyzed the backhand and sought a powerful crosscourt shot. I missed. Well, it's something to ponder. In the end, I had the right intent. Obviously, it was a pity not to connect on some first serves. He took a risk, got lucky, and then all that happened. In the end, what I was thinking at 5-5 in the tiebreak was: try to maintain the right intentions, try to play the right shots. If you miss, you miss. There was certainly tension. I think that mindset helped me move forward in the fifth set and play the right way."

The best point he has played in his career

During the fourth set, Alejandro Davidovich was involved in what might possibly be the point of the tournament and one of the best points of the year, and the Canadian player has commented on it. "It was crazy. The best point I have played in my life, just from the live reaction of the crowd. Now I can talk about it. When you have the roar of the crowd, everyone on their feet while the point is in play, it struck me, in the middle of the point. I was running to the ball. I was smiling to myself. I thought I had to make it, but I missed. It still amuses me. Obviously, given the situation in the match, it was not the most significant point, so to speak. But yes, it was the best point I've been a part of, undoubtedly, in my entire career."

Mental improvement

I think it becomes increasingly clear over the years. I believe it's because I try to be very disciplined with the work I do, not only on the court, in the gym, but also off it, in the hours between matches. I prepare for these moments. I prepare a lot mentally. So yes, I feel that my inner dialogue is more stable and positive as the years go by.
Besides, ultimately, I'm not in my thirties, but in my short career so far, I have faced many different situations. This is one more.

Aliassime talks about his upcoming match against Djokovic

Look, it's simple, I need to play the best I can. There is no way to advance if I don't play my best. The game plan is quite simple. I hope I can show that I have improved as a player. It is a great opportunity. It is a great honor for me to play this match. Playing here is, yes, one of those matches you want to play for and for which you train and prepare. I can only speak highly of Novak because, again, now that I am a player—I think as a kid I didn't appreciate it as much—but now that I'm a player, the amount of work he has put in over the years... I mean, I don't even come close to that. Just thinking about it is crazy. It makes you dizzy just thinking about it. I have tremendous respect for him. I have to say he has been very generous with his time. I have reached out to him several times to ask questions and seek advice. I love listening and learning from the veteran players, from past generations. Moreover, he has been very generous with his time. I have huge respect for that, not just as a player but also as a person."

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Aliassime explota tras su pique con Davidovich en Wimbledon: "Si estás lesionado, te retiras"

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