Felix Auger-Aliassime has revealed who he really thinks is the greatest tennis player of all time.
Auger-Aliassime lost in the first round of the Australian Open, after retiring from his match against Nuno Borges due to cramp.
Despite the disappointment of leaving Melbourne at the earliest possible opportunity, Auger-Aliassime posted a defiant message on social media.
Auger-Aliassime has since taken a wildcard into the ATP 250 tournament in Montpellier, where he has given his verdict on Novak Djokovic after he lost to Carlos Alcaraz in the Australian Open final.
Felix Auger-Aliassime gives his verdict on whether Novak Djokovic is the GOAT
Auger-Aliassime is the defending champion in Montpellier, and he has spoken to media ahead of his first round match at the tournament.
In his pre-tournament press conference, Auger-Aliassime was asked about Australian Open runner-up Djokovic, who was unable to claim his 25th major title in Melbourne this year.
Despite this, Auger-Aliassime still believes that Djokovic is the greatest tennis player of all time and praised the Serbian for his mindset.
“He’s the best player of all time,” said Auger-Aliassime. “What’s impressive about him isn’t just his level of play, but his resilience. Coming back after defeats, preparing, waiting for the next Grand Slam for months.
“…His enduring passion for the sport, his ability to stay fit and motivated, is an example for all of us. He didn’t go all the way, but he’s a truly great example.”
Are you more or less confident that Novak Djokovic can win his 25th Grand Slam now?
Felix Auger-Aliassime vs Novak Djokovic Head-to-Head
Although Auger-Aliassime had high praise for Djokovic, he has actually spent very little time on the opposite side of the court as the 24-time Grand Slam champion.
In fact, Auger-Aliassime has not played Djokovic since 2022, when he actually beat the former world number one at the Laver Cup.
Grade Novak Djokovic’s Australian Open performance out of 10…
This was the second of their two previous meetings, with Djokovic winning their first in the quarterfinals of the Italian Open.
| Year | Tournament | Result |
| 2022 | Italian Open (QF) | Djokovic beat Auger-Aliassime, 7-5 7-6(1) |
| 2022 | Laver Cup | Auger-Aliassime beat Djokovic, 6-3 7-6(3) |
The next time Auger-Aliassime and Djokovic could have the possibility of playing one another is at the Qatar Open, but that would only be possible if they both reach the final in a tournament that also features Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
However, before Auger-Aliassime can even think about playing in Doha, he will look to defend his title in Montpellier.
Auger-Aliassime will begin his title defence against either Hamad Medjedovic or the retiring Stan Wawrinka, after receiving an automatic bye to the second round as the top seed.
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