Felix Auger-Aliassime expresses understanding for the disappointment experienced by Canadian tennis fans following the recent withdrawals of several marquee players from the National Bank Open.
In just two days, top stars Jannik Sinner, world No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz, and former world No. 1 Novak Djokovic have announced their exit from the tournament. Auger-Aliassime acknowledged the reasons behind their decisions, while empathizing with the fans eager to see their tennis heroes in action.
“With Wimbledon still fresh in their minds, Sinner and Alcaraz just battled it out in the finals,” Auger-Aliassime remarked on Tuesday. “Some players might be dealing with injuries, while others simply need a break.”
“Toronto and Montreal kick off the North American swing leading up to the U.S. Open, and players often aim to peak for that major event. Withdrawals are a regular occurrence each year.”
“It’s unfortunate for everyone involved—the tournament, the director, and the spectators—because fans want to witness top-tier players competing against one another.”
The National Bank Open stands alone as the premier ATP and WTA Tour event in Canada, with the men’s competition taking place in Toronto this year, while the women will compete in Montreal.
Montreal’s own Auger-Aliassime is the highest-ranked Canadian on the ATP Tour, currently sitting at 27th, closely followed by Denis Shapovalov from Richmond Hill, who sits at 28th.
Withdrawals from the tournament have also included Jack Draper (5th), Sebastian Korda (33rd), Jordan Thompson (36th), and Hubert Hurkacz (38th) since Sunday. This year’s National Bank Open features an expanded format, comprising 12 days and 96 players.
These withdrawals could potentially ease Auger-Aliassime’s journey toward clinching the National Bank Open title.
No Canadian male has secured victory at home since Robert Bedard of Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, took his third title back in 1958. Milos Raonic from Thornhill came agonizingly close, finishing as a runner-up to Spain’s Rafael Nadal in the 2013 final.
“In the early rounds, it won’t affect much,” Auger-Aliassime commented. “However, if I reach the business end of the tournament—like the quarterfinals—I might find myself with a more favorable draw, avoiding the likes of Alcaraz, Sinner, or Djokovic.”
“Fingers crossed that the draw works in my favor, and I perform well enough to go all the way.”
In 2019, Bianca Andreescu from Mississauga claimed the women’s title.
The 24-year-old Auger-Aliassime had the honor of throwing the first pitch at Rogers Centre before the Toronto Blue Jays faced off against the New York Yankees in a pivotal American League East showdown.
Amazed by the vastness of Rogers Centre and the capacity it holds, Auger-Aliassime waited for a photo opportunity with Blue Jays outfielder George Springer near the home dugout.
“I’ve played on centre courts of the biggest tennis stadiums, but they’re significantly smaller compared to a full field,” he observed. “From the outside, the stadium is impressive, but being on the field takes your breath away.”
“It’s truly an awe-inspiring experience.”
