Felix Auger-Aliassime’s Australian Open campaign didn’t exactly go to plan.
Travelling to Melbourne as the seventh seed, the Canadian was hoping to make a deep run down under.
It wasn’t to be, though, as Auger-Aliassime retired down two sets to one against Nuno Borges in the first round.
The 25-year-old looked out of sorts, as he played his part in arguably the biggest upset of the tournament so far.
It’s unclear exactly what was wrong with Auger-Aliassime, although former Grand Slam finalist Greg Rusedski has a theory.
Greg Rusedski thinks Felix Auger-Aliassime may have had food poisoning
During the latest episode of ‘Off Court Cuts‘, Rusedski shared his thoughts on Auger-Aliassime’s retirement.
“We had cramping with [Felix] Auger-Aliassime, which is surprising because he’s a fit guy,” he said.
“I hope AA [Auger-Aliassime] gets his fitness back.
“I’m wondering whether it was food poisoning or something else that happened, because he’s one of the fittest guys and that was a shock in itself.”
Rusedski’s theory makes a lot of sense, as a healthy player like Auger-Aliassime is unlikely to cramp unless something else is wrong.
Former world number one Andy Roddick had a similar theory, which he shared on his ‘Quick Served‘ podcast.
“I remember one year at the US Open, it was 2011, I won my third round against Julien Benneteau, got sick that night, it was coming from everywhere!” said Roddick.
“The match that I had next against David Ferrer, I remember in that match, in the fourth set, probably a couple of hours in, I was shortening everything, serve and volleying.
“My hand was starting to do the claw, cramping. So I’m like, alright, you’re up two sets, in line to win, and also, I’m the only person that knows, if I don’t actually close this out right here, I’m going to be on the ground with cramps in 30 minutes.
“It wasn’t because I wasn’t fit or not prepared, it was something beyond that.
“I don’t know that’s what happened [to Auger-Aliassime]. Here’s what I know, FAA is not a guy to be cramped or unprepared at an hour and 20, and then fight it, that seems really weird to me.”
Whatever the reason for Auger-Aliassime’s exit was, he’ll want to forget about it as soon as possible.
Where will Felix Auger-Aliassime play next?
Next up for Auger-Aliassime is the ATP 500 tournament in Rotterdam.
The Canadian is a former champion at the event, winning the title in 2022, but will be up against it this time around.
Several top players, including the world number one and defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, will make up the 2026 field.
Only time will tell if Auger-Aliassime can upset the odds and win his first title of the season in the Netherlands, but you certainly won’t want to miss any of the action.
The 2026 Rotterdam Open is scheduled to begin on Monday, February 9.
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