(VIDEO) “They Said I Wouldn’t Do It” – Auger-Aliassime Signs an Unprecedented Contract for United Cup Deal Despite Backlash and Criticism Due To…

Felix Auger-Aliassime was one of the standout players at the end of 2025. His impressive run caught the eye of many, propelling him back up the rankings. This is great news for Canada, who can once again rely on his services in the United Cup after he confirmed his participation in a video on Instagram.

The world number five will be making his third consecutive appearance in the event kick starting a highly anticipated 2026. Many top players will be making the trip Down Under to represent their country, an honour bestowed upon them. While it is similar to the Davis Cup or Billie Jean King Cup, the main difference is that it is a mixed event, pairing some of the top players on the ATP and WTA together.

Canada’s neighbours to the south, the USA, are the most successful nation in the competition, winning two of the three tournaments held. This includes last year when Taylor Fritz and Coco Gauff ran rampant in Australia, winning all five head-to-heads to regain the title they first won in 2023.

The news had been confirmed on the United Cup Instagram page. It commenced with him reading the contract. “Licence to be loud. Welcome to United Cup, you’re playing in a tournament like no other. The best men and women team up to take on the world with national pride in every point. Be loud, be proud, and save polite celebration for some other tournament.”

Auger-Aliassime then signed the piece of paper and lifted it towards the camera, with the title reading ‘Licence to be loud.’ He followed that up with a brief message of his own. “Super excited to be coming back to the United Cup starting next year representing Canada,” he stated.

First making his debut back in 2024, he made his debut in the second matchup against Greece. While he did not feature in the clash against Chile, he was partnered up with Stacey Fung in the doubles clash against Greece, which they lost in straight sets. This meant a 3-0 against a strong Greek outfit and elimination from the event.

It was a similar story in the 2025 event, which actually started in 2024. Unfortunately, Canada’s progress would be halted before the new year came around. Auger-Aliassime had much more of an impact on the court in this edition. He was looking to wrap up a commanding win over Croatia after fellow compatriot Leylah Fernandez disposed of Donna Vekic. However, he was not able to get the job done. Despite winning the first set 6-0, he was pegged back by Borna Coric to put pressure on the doubles match.

It would be a winning start for Canada as Auger-Aliassime and Fernandez teamed up to triumph and boost their chances of making it out of the group. To do that, they had to defeat the USA. After Gauff quickly defeated the former US Open finalist, it seemed that it was going all USA’s way, especially when Fritz clinched the first set against Auger-Aliassime. Nevertheless, he was able to make a stunning comeback. From 5-3 down in the second set, he clawed his way back into the match and eventually sealed it to keep their hopes alive. The four stars met once more on court in all-important doubles clash, where Gauff and Fritz came out as narrow winners.

The 2026 United cup will begin Friday, 2nd January – Sunday, 11th January. While Auger-Aliassime’s inclusion remains the same, he will be boasting a different opponent in 19-year-old Victoria Mboko. They are the number two seeds in the tournament, and top seeds in their group with Belgium and China looking to cause another upset.