Felix Auger-Aliassime Downplays Concerns Ahead of Dubai Open Return
– Felix Auger-Aliassime has sought to allay any concerns about his form and fitness as he prepares to begin his campaign at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. The Canadian, a finalist in Dubai last year, is set to face Zhang Zhizhen in the opening round.
Auger-Aliassime’s preparation for the 2026 season has been marked by a withdrawal from the Australian Open due to cramps, raising questions about his physical condition. However, speaking after an autograph session with a ball kid at the Dubai tournament – where he was asked about his “most irrational fear” – Auger-Aliassime insisted there is “nothing to be worried about.”
The world number 7 arrives in Dubai seeking a strong showing after a challenging start to the year. His early exit from the Australian Open was a setback, but he appears determined to put that behind him and rediscover the form that saw him reach the final in Dubai in 2025.
The upcoming match against Zhang Zhizhen represents a potentially tricky opening encounter. While Auger-Aliassime is the top seed and the clear favorite, Zhang is a capable opponent who will undoubtedly provide a stern test. Details of their head-to-head record and betting odds were not immediately available, but the match is anticipated to be a competitive one.
The Dubai tournament has already seen some notable developments, with Aryna Sabalenka recently involved in a controversial hindrance call during the Australian Open, and a number of players withdrawing from competition. The incident involving Sabalenka highlighted the complexities of the hindrance rule in tennis, a rule that continues to spark debate among players and fans alike.
Elsewhere in the tennis world, Coco Gauff also discussed tournament rules in a recent press conference ahead of the Dubai tournament. Auger-Aliassime, Alexander Bublik, Daniil Medvedev, and Arthur Fils were also mentioned in connection with recent tournament events.
Despite the challenges and controversies surrounding the sport, Auger-Aliassime remains focused on his own game and his pursuit of success in Dubai. He will be hoping to build on his previous performance at the tournament and make a deep run in this year’s competition. The Canadian’s ability to overcome his recent setbacks and perform at his best will be key to his chances of lifting the trophy.
Adding to the narrative surrounding Auger-Aliassime, reports indicate he recently made a “lavish” claim regarding Victoria Mboko, though details of this claim remain unspecified. This comes as he prepares for his first-round match, aiming to demonstrate his resilience and skill on the court.
