Shocking scenes unfolded at Melbourne Park as seventh seed Felix Auger-Aliassime retired from his first-round Australian Open match against Portugal’s Nuno Borges. The Canadian struggled with an upper-left leg injury, forcing him to withdraw after three sets. His unexpected exit has sent shockwaves through the tennis world, with even Borges openly expressing concern during his post-match interview.
Felix Auger-Aliassime’s Australian Open Retirement Prompts Nuno Borges to Voice Concerns on ‘Demanding’ Schedule
The 25-year-old enjoyed a strong run in 2025, finishing with a 50–24 win-loss record, claiming titles in Brussels, Montpellier, and Adelaide, finishing runner-up in Paris and Dubai, and making notable semifinals appearances at the US Open and the ATP Finals in Turin. He aimed to carry that form into the 2026 season as he stepped onto the Australian Open.
He opened his campaign in convincing fashion against Borges, claiming the first set 6–3, but an upper-left leg injury soon halted his momentum. The Canadian struggled through the next two sets, called a medical timeout late in the third, and received treatment ahead of the fourth. Trailing 3–6, 6–4, 6–4, Auger-Aliassime played just two points in the fourth set before being forced to retire.
It was a startling moment, given Auger-Aliassime’s strong recent form and his status as one of the contenders expected to make a deep run at the season’s first Grand Slam. Borges, meanwhile, voiced concern not only over his opponent’s condition but also over the demanding nature of the ATP calendar. During his post-match on-court interview, the World No. 46 said:
“I feel for him. I know how it feels to struggle physically. It is part of tennis. It’s a really long schedule. It’s really hard to stay on top of our game and physically it is very demanding. I can totally understand. I hope he gets better quick and back to his best level.”
Nuno Borges on Felix Auger Aliassime retiring from their match at the Australian Open
“I know this is a very difficult way to end the match, but what are your thoughts right now?”
Nuno: “I feel for him. I know how it feels to struggle physically. It is part of tennis. It’s a… pic.twitter.com/XyqMnrQx7w
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 19, 2026
Both ATP and WTA players have repeatedly raised concerns about the sport’s long, demanding calendar, and Borges recently echoed those sentiments. Attention now turns to how quickly the Canadian can recover from the setback.
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Borges, meanwhile, has advanced to the second round and will face the winner of the clash between Juan Manuel Cerúndolo and Australian Wild Card Jordan Thompson.
