Felix Auger-Aliassime Praises Novak Djokovic’s ‘Exceptional’ 2026 Australian Open Run

Felix Auger-Aliassime to compete at the Montpellier Open following an irregular start to the season.

Felix Auger-Aliassime Praises Novak Djokovic’s ‘Exceptional’ 2026 Australian Open Run

Novak Djokovic and Felix Auger-Aliassime (via X/The Tennis Letter)

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Felix Auger-Aliassime has admitted that Novak Djokovic is the greatest player of all time after his scintillating high-level performance at the Australian Open. Djokovic reached the final of the Grand Slam for the first time since 2023 and first major tournament final since losing to Carlos Alcaraz in the 2024 Wimbledon Championships.

Djokovic arrived at the Australian Open with no expectations of reaching the final as Jannik Sinner and Alcaraz were the heavy favorites. Sinner and Alcaraz had reached the final of the last Grand Slams and were expected to continue the same pattern in 2026. But Djokovic had other plans in Melbourne.

After luckily getting past Lorenzo Musetti, who was forced to retire in their quarter-finals clash due to an injury, Djokovic faced Sinner in the last four. He had lost their past five meetings on tour, and their two recent meetings had ended in straight sets. But the former World No.1 pulled an electric performance against Sinner, beating the Italian star in five sets at the Rod Laver Arena.

The 38-year-old stunned the tennis world, ensuring Sinner’s hope of winning his fifth Grand Slam in Melbourne was crushed. Djokovic is currently World No.3 in the ATP rankings following his run at the Australian Open. He toppled Alexander Zverev, who had been No.3 for more than seven months on tour.

However, Djokovic lost the Melbourne Grand Slam title to Alcaraz in the final in four sets. The Serbian legend had won the first set before the Spaniard regrouped to win 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5. During an interview with Tennis Majors at the Montpellier Open, he revealed that Djokovic’s performance against Sinner was exceptional:

He was exceptional against Sinner in the semifinal. We are talking about Novak Djokovic, the greatest player of all time. In fact, what is impressive is his resilience, beyond his exceptional level of play and his record. He had lost five matches in a row against Sinner, but every time he prepares himself and comes back. All that waiting between Grand Slam tournaments, where you have to win matches to maintain a high ranking…

Just like Djokovic, Auger-Aliassime has suffered four consecutive defeats against Sinner. At one time, he led Sinner in their head-to-head record, but the Italian star has turned it around, defeating him four times from August to November 2025, including in the semi-finals of the US Open and in the final of the Paris Masters.

Felix Auger-Aliassime hopes to get back on track in Montpellier after the Australian Open early exit

Felix Auger-Aliassime has not had the best start to the season on tour. The Canadian star was one of those who finished the 2025 season in top form, reaching his career-high ranking of World No. 5. But he has recorded just one win this season, and that came at the United Cup, as he retired from his opening match at the Australian Open.

Felix Auger Aliassime
Felix Auger Aliassime (via ATP Tour)

However, at the Montpellier Open, the World No.8 is seeking to finally launch his season. The Canadian star sees the ATP 250 tournament as the best occasion to quickly get back on track before the season hits full gear. He revealed during the aforementioned interview that he has confidence in himself:

I’ve always had big ambitions from the beginning, but yes, I think I’m gaining maturity and deep confidence, not just in the moment. Obviously, there is confidence in the moment, but there is also confidence in myself, which grows stronger year after year, regardless of results. I keep believing in myself. A fifth place in the world ranking is great, but I always hope to climb a little higher.

Auger-Aliassime will kick off his campaign at the Montpellier Open in the second round, having earned a first-round bye. He awaits the winner of the match between three-time champion Stan Wawrinka and Hamad Medjedovic. Wawrinka, who reached the third round of the Australian Open, is playing his final season on tour.

Also Read: Carlos Alcaraz Reveals Details About his Lack of Celebration After the Australian Open Win