Felix Auger-Aliassime withdrew from the National Bank Open at IGA Stadium in Montreal after suffering a sudden back injury during practice, according to tournament announcements. Ranked fourth in the world and seeded second, the local player bowed out of his scheduled second-round match against France’s Titouan Droguet before hitting the court to serve on Wednesday.
The Injury and Sudden Withdrawal in Montreal
Auger-Aliassime reported feeling a sharp pain in his back on Monday afternoon while practicing ahead of the tournament. According to the player, his team and tournament medical staff provided an extra day of preparation, but a warm-up session at 3 p.m. on Wednesday confirmed he could not serve at a competitive level.
“The decision wasn’t complicated to make, but it’s very difficult to accept,” Auger-Aliassime told media members at IGA Stadium. He planned to undergo medical evaluations to determine the extent of the injury and assess his readiness for next week’s tournament in Cincinnati.
Did You Know?
Auger-Aliassime reached the quarterfinals at both the French Open and Wimbledon prior to the National Bank Open, pushing his ranking to the highest ranking held by a Canadian male since Milos Raonic in 2016.
Wave of Canadian Withdrawals and Tournament Impact
Auger-Aliassime’s exit followed a troubling 24-hour stretch for Canadian tennis stars in Montreal. Denis Shapovalov retired with an ankle injury on Tuesday, and Gabriel Diallo retired due to a back issue on the same day, leaving Auger-Aliassime as the final Canadian singles player remaining before his own withdrawal.
Tournament director Valerie Tetreault expressed profound disappointment regarding the cascade of injuries affecting home-country players. “We’re sharing that disappointment with Felix and the fans,” Tetreault said. “No one is winning in that scenario.” The results ensure that the Canadian Open men’s singles title will extend its streak to 68 years won by players from outside Canada.
Top Seeds Absent and Draws Disrupted
The tournament field faced significant hurdles before the first ball was struck. World No. 1 and reigning Wimbledon champion Jannik Sinner withdrew on July 24 to manage his health following the grass-court major. World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz also skipped the event due to a wrist injury, while all-time Grand Slam leader Novak Djokovic pulled out as well.
Heavy downpours delayed qualifying and opening-round matches early in the week, compounding logistical challenges for organizers. Top seed and Wimbledon finalist Alexander Zverev added to the chaos on Wednesday by losing his match to France’s Tallon Griekspoor. Meanwhile, American Ben Shelton advanced to the Round of 32 with a straight-sets win over Jensen Brooksby.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Felix Auger-Aliassime withdraw from the National Bank Open?
He withdrew due to a sudden and sharp back injury sustained during practice on Monday afternoon, which prevented him from serving properly during his Wednesday warm-up.
Which other Canadian players pulled out of the tournament?
Denis Shapovalov retired due to an ankle injury, and Gabriel Diallo retired with a back issue during their matches on Tuesday.
Who are some of the top-ranked players who skipped the Montreal event entirely?
Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, and Novak Djokovic all withdrew from the tournament prior to the start of play.