In a post-match remark that sparked controversy, Auger-Aliassime acknowledged that his “focus was already in Paris,” referred to the United Cup as a “glorified exhibition,” and disclosed that he only consented to play mixed doubles in order to test strategies for his quest for an Olympic gold medal. These remarks were perceived as disrespectful to both the competition and his partner, Mboko.
Felix Auger-Aliassime and Victoria Mboko began the season in sensational fashion as Canada defeated China in the opening round contest.
Auger-Aliassime defeated Zhang Zhizhen in straight sets, while Mboko recovered from losing the first set to beat Zhu Lin in the United Cup.
The pair combined to defeat You Xiaodi and Te Rigele to confirm the victory for Canada, who look like they could be a dark horse in the competition.
After making their doubles debut, Auger-Aliassime said his new partner made him excited for the 2028 Olympic games in Los Angeles.
Felix Auger-Aliassime is excited about the Olympics after Victoria Mboko doubles partnership
Auger-Aliassime and Mboko dropped just four games in their doubles match to confirm their second win of the day.
The partnership went so well that Auger-Aliassime even conjured up fantasies about the pair representing Canada at the Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
How would you rate Felix Auger-Aliassime’s chances of winning a Grand Slam in 2026?
“I thought it was great that we could share the court. I was even thinking during the doubles about the next Olympics ahead, thinking like this could be good,” he said in his United Cup press conference.
“If we’re both still playing good tennis and healthy, there’s a lot of things that can happen. I was really happy to see her breakthrough last year. It’s always good to have a strong male and female player on tour.
Felix Auger-Aliassime explains why he was thinking about the Olympics during his mixed doubles win against China
Felix Auger-Aliassime ends five-year drought after winning his opening United Cup match
Emma Raducanu reveals one of the biggest ‘misconceptions’ about tennis
Andy Murray shares three tips every amateur player should follow to improve their game
Tim Henman shares his honest opinion on the new timeout rule at the United Cup
Alexander Zverev reacts after winning his first match of 2026 at the United Cup
“You feel like you push each other to be good. There’s not only Vicki. Leylah [Fernandez] is still there. Bianca [Andreescu] is coming back. A lot of good players on both men and women.”
Mboko was equally as satisfied after combining with the world number five for the first time in her career.
What Victoria Mboko said about teaming with Felix Auger-Aliassime
Mboko is eight years younger than Auger-Aliassime, but the pair showed promise as a doubles partnership.
Speaking after the match, Mboko said: “The one thing I noticed is you’re playing with a guy on the other side, or having Felix serve, the points are a lot shorter.
Who will be the United Cup MVP? Anyone else? Let us know in the comments
liam.mcmillenIga Swiatek! She’s lost twice at the United Cup since its inception
camerondesc1An outside shout – Casper Ruud. He was very impressive in his first match!
george.pattenI think this is Iga’s year. Reckon she goes unbeaten!
“I mean, it’s just a lot more quicker rallies. You kind of have to have fast hands. You don’t really see the ball as much as women’s tennis.
“Yeah, it was a pretty cool experience. To start the year off playing this kind of format that I’m not used to, it’s really stepping me out of my boundaries. I like it. I had a lot of fun today.”
Canada will play Belgium in their next match, which will pit Auger-Aliassime against Zizou Bergs and Mboko against Elise Mertens.
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Felix Auger-Aliassime ends five-year drought after winning his opening United Cup match
Felix Auger-Aliassime has begun his 2026 tennis campaign with a bang, defeating Zhizhen Zhang 6-4, 6-4 in his opening United Cup match.
The Canadian enjoyed a resurgent end to 2025, challenging for the US Open title and rising to world number five.
Auger-Aliassime has picked up where he left off, producing a stunning performance to begin his 2026 season.
By defeating Zhang, Auger-Aliassime capitalised on Victoria Mboko’s victory earlier in the day, securing Canada’s victory against China.
Auger-Aliassime will hope his strong form continues when Canada play Belgium on Tuesday.
Felix Auger-Aliassime has won his first match of an ATP Tour season for the first time since 2021
Five years ago, Felix Auger-Aliassime won his first match of the 2021 season by defeating Japan’s Yuichi Sugita in the second round of the Murray River Open.
In the four years following this result, the Canadian failed to win his opening match of each season.
How would you rate Felix Auger-Aliassime’s chances of winning a Grand Slam in 2026?
In 2022, Auger-Aliassime was defeated by Taylor Fritz in the ATP Cup, 6-7, 6-4, 6-4.
Felix Auger-Aliassime explains why he was thinking about the Olympics during his mixed doubles win against China
Felix Auger-Aliassime ends five-year drought after winning his opening United Cup match
Emma Raducanu reveals one of the biggest ‘misconceptions’ about tennis
Andy Murray shares three tips every amateur player should follow to improve their game
Tim Henman shares his honest opinion on the new timeout rule at the United Cup
Alexander Zverev reacts after winning his first match of 2026 at the United Cup
A year later, Australian star Alexei Popyrin defeated Auger-Aliassime 6-4, 7-6 at the Adelaide International.
The Canadian’s woes were compounded in 2024 when he lost to Daniel Altmaier in straight sets at the Auckland Classic, despite being the fourth seed at the tournament.
Auger-Aliassime made it four in a row at the start of the 2025 season, losing 6-0, 4-6, 4-6 to Borna Coric at the United Cup.
Felix Auger-Aliassime’s next opponent
Auger-Aliassime, a dark horse for the Australian Open title, will be hoping to continue his excellent form on Tuesday when Canada play Belgium.
The Canadian is set to play Zizou Bergs, who was a key component during Belgium’s run to the 2025 Davis Cup semi-finals.
Auger-Aliassime and Bergs last played each other nearly eight years ago in the first round of qualifying at the 2018 Antwerp Open.
Auger-Aliassime defeated Bergs 5-7, 6-3, 7-6.
Who will be the United Cup MVP? Anyone else? Let us know in the comments
Victoria Mboko, Canada’s rising star on the WTA Tour, will play world number 20 Elise Mertens. The pair have yet to play each other on the WTA Tour.