In a shocking turn of events at the Australian Open 2026, world number seven Felix Auger-Aliassime was forced to retire from his opening match, unable to continue due to debilitating cramping.
Unexpected Exit for Top Seed
The Canadian star, who had fought his way back into the world's top 10 after a stellar 2025 season that included a US Open semi-final, was facing Portugal's Nuno Borges. After splitting the first two sets, Auger-Aliassime's challenge came to a premature end. He retired while trailing 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 on Monday, 19 January 2026.
"I want to be on the court competing with my opponent," a dejected Auger-Aliassime stated afterwards. "I don't want to be just standing there, you know, like a punching bag. So there's no point."
Searching for Answers After Early Physical Struggle
The 25-year-old revealed the issue began at the start of the third set, a surprisingly early stage for such a severe physical problem in a tournament's opening match. He expressed both frustration and bewilderment at the situation, given his professional approach to preparation.
"I don't have all the answers now," he admitted. "I'm trying to be very professional at everything I do, prepare well. I love this sport, and I love to play. So I try to do everything I can in my control to get ready."
The emotional toll was clear as he added: "It hurts even more, because you know, if I wasn't really ready or I wasn't doing everything, then you have to be honest with yourself. But even with being honest with myself, I'm not totally finding the reasons why this is happening. It wasn't happening in the past, so I'll have to figure it out."
Consequences and Next Steps
Auger-Aliassime's retirement marks the most significant early exit of the tournament so far, with the seventh seed becoming the highest-ranked player to fall. His departure opens the draw and represents a major opportunity for other contenders.
For Portugal's Nuno Borges, the victory propels him into the second round where he will now face Australia's Jordan Thompson. Borges will be hoping to capitalise on this unexpected passage and make a deeper run in the Melbourne grand slam.
The tennis world is left waiting to see how Auger-Aliassime recovers from this physical and psychological setback, as he vows to investigate the cause of the cramping that ended his Australian Open campaign before it had truly begun.
