Jim Courier claims ‘relentless’ Felix Auger-Aliassime sent a message during his first win of 2026

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It didn’t take long for Felix Auger-Aliassime to pick up his first win of 2026…

The world number five took to the court against Zhang Zhizhen, looking to win his opening match of the year for the first time since 2021.

Doing just that, Auger-Aliassime beat Zhang in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4, giving Canada an unassailable 2-0 lead over China at the United Cup.

Auger-Aliassime was impressive from start to finish in Sydney, carrying on in the same vein of form he showed during the latter stages of 2025.

Speaking on commentary for Sky Sports, American tennis legend Jim Courier shared his thoughts on Auger-Aliassime’s performance.

Jim Courier says Felix Auger-Aliassime sent a message that his ranking is ‘no fluke’ after win

“He’s sending a message out there that the number five by his name is no fluke,” said Courier.

“Played just like it tonight.

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“Loved the aggression on the backhand, in particular, in that little purple patch early in the second set.

“Boy, that’s got to feel good.”

Looking at the stats from Auger-Aliassime’s win over Zhang, Courier was impressed by the Canadian’s net play.

“Felix [Auger-Aliassime] was relentless with the pressure, ripping forehands and getting to the net 23 times,” he said.

“It wasn’t a physical match as far as the length of the match, but boy, it was ballistic.

“These guys were ripping the cover off the ball on both sides of the net.”

He also took a moment to congratulate Zhang, who played well after an injury-ridden 2025 season.

“Zhang has a lot to be proud of as he makes his season start, here in his comeback year. Looking pretty good for him,” said Courier.

Sitting alongside Courier in the commentary box, Andy Murray’s former coach Mark Petchey shared his immediate reaction to the 25-year-old’s win.

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“That was simply world-class,” he said.

“He’s had so many ups and downs, with the injuries that have then complicated things for him in terms of his own confidence, but he’s been fit and healthy for a long time now, and he comes into this season looking in perfect condition.”

Courier and Petchey were more than satisfied with Auger-Aliassime’s performance, as was the man himself.

Felix Auger-Aliassime is ‘very pleased’ with his first win of 2026

During his on-court interview, Auger-Aliassime said how he felt about his win over Zhang.

“I can be very pleased with this first match of the year,” he said.

“You never know, I haven’t played for a month and a half, or a bit more, and tennis is also about rhythm, playing important points under pressure, with the crowd and everything, so you never know what to expect.

“I woke up this morning hoping for the best, visualising the best, and then I played some of my best tennis, so it came out good!”

Auger-Aliassime was pleased with his performance, as he shared the tactical approach that won him the match.

“I’m feeling good, I have clear ideas when I’m on the court,” he said.

“I was trying to take every chance I could, to come forward whenever I saw space, whether the ball was coming from my backhand or my forehand, I was trying to hit the ball hard into the space and see if he was on defence.

“That was the plan, to keep him on the back foot, keep it moving.

“When he’s set on his feet, when he doesn’t have to move, he’s one of the cleanest ball strikers we have on tour.

“And he stayed in every set serving well, so a very complete performance from my part, and I can be happy that Team Canada is 2-0 up.”

Auger-Aliassime sealed the win for Canada, getting them off the mark in Group B.

He’ll return for his second singles match of the competition on Tuesday, January 6, where he will play Belgium’s Zizou Bergs.