Auger-Aliassime: “In Montpellier, I’m truly launching my year”
The defending champion at the Open Occitanie in Montpellier (ATP 250), Félix Auger-Aliassime, returns to the Hérault determined to dispel the doubts following an Australian Open where he was forced to retire due to cramps. This setback has done little to dampen his drive; the Canadian remains hungry for more and is clearly unsatisfied with his current ranking of world number five.
Félix Auger-Aliassime, Montpellier 2026 | © Open Occitanie / JB Autissier
Félix Auger-Aliassime returns to competition in Montpellier, two weeks after his retirement from the Australian Open due to unexplained first-round cramps. As the top seed, having slipped from world No. 5 to No. 8 during a disappointing January, the Canadian needs to regain confidence in his ability to deliver results in the indoor conditions he enjoys so much. His draw at the Sud de France Arena is treacherous on paper, with a potential meeting with Stan Wawrinka in the round of 16 and Arthur Fils in the quarterfinals.
Félix, we last saw you struggling physically at the Australian Open. Where do you stand today, and do you feel 100% heading into this Montpellier tournament?
Félix Auger-Aliassime: Yes, I am at 100%. Since returning home, I’ve had some great practice sessions, and everything has been going well since I arrived here. In Australia, it was simply a case of cramping. My team and I investigated why it happened so early in the match and the tournament. We have a few leads, but overall, I’m doing fine.
In Melbourne, we saw other players like Carlos (Alcaraz) and Jannik (Sinner) cramp later in the tournament, also during a third set.
Félix Auger-Aliassime: The surprise was my cramps appearing right at the start of the third set. I’ve dealt with cramps before, like in the US Open semifinals or the Madrid final, but in those cases, the explanation was logical and I was able to finish my matches. Given the intensity of modern tennis, weather conditions, and the emotional toll, we’re seeing more and more players cramp. For me, however, it was an anomaly. It didn’t necessarily reassure me to see Jannik and Carlos experience it too, but it fuels my reflection on how I can continue to improve.
I’m gaining maturity and a deep confidence. It’s no longer just confidence linked to current results; it’s a growing internal certainty.
Nothing went as planned in Australia. You were initially signed up for Montpellier, but after that frustrating Australian Open, how are you approaching your return here?
Félix Auger-Aliassime: Honestly, my goal this year was to return to the world top 10 and prepare specifically for the biggest tournaments. The plan was to rest between those key events. But nothing went as planned in Australia. Ultimately, I haven’t really started my season yet since I played matches I couldn’t finish properly. Montpellier is the opportunity to truly launch my year, build some momentum, and hopefully go all the way.
Is your goal to successfully defend your title?
Félix Auger-Aliassime: I think every player who enters a tournament intends to win every match until the final. On my end, I have even more reason to want it because I’m defending my title. It’s a privilege to return to a tournament you won the year before. I want to play well right from my first round, and yes, I hope to go all the way, even if there’s a long road ahead.
After your excellent finish to last season, which carried you to world No. 5, are you approaching 2026 as the most ambitious season of your career?
Félix Auger-Aliassime: I’ve always had high ambitions. Over the years, I’m gaining maturity and a deep confidence. It’s no longer just confidence linked to current results; it’s a growing internal certainty. That 5th place ranking was a great milestone, but I hope to go higher. If the health is there, many things are within my reach.
My focus is on the clarity of my game and my intentions on court. If I do things well, the ATP points will come naturally.
How do you handle the pressure of defending points now that you are established at the top of the rankings? And what did you learn from the 2022–2023 stretch when you were in this same position?
Félix Auger-Aliassime: Honestly, I don’t think about it too much. It’s a cliché, but I really focus on one match at a time, one point at a time. My focus is on the clarity of my game and my intentions on court. If I do things well, the ATP points will come naturally. I’ve learned from past seasons not to worry too much about losses or periods where practice is tougher. You can’t be at the top all the time. At 22 or 23, I sometimes wasted too much energy on stress; today, I try to approach these moments with more serenity.
Did you follow the end of the Australian Open? What did you think of Novak Djokovic’s level against the new generation?
Félix Auger-Aliassime: Yes, it’s impressive, but on the other hand, we’re talking about the greatest player of all time. What strikes me most, beyond his level of play and his records, is his resilience. Staying motivated after everything he’s achieved is exceptional. His passion for the sport is an example for all of us young players.
