Felix Auger-Aliassime, the number two seed at the 2026 National Bank Open in Montreal, has withdrawn from the tournament because of a back injury according to Eric Engels of Rogers Sportsnet. The injury happened on Monday while Auger-Aliassime was practicing. This is a huge blow to Tennis Canada, who had hoped Auger-Aliassime was in for a deep run. The only player ranked higher than Auger-Aliassime was 2026 French Open champion Alexander Zverev of Germany.
Auger-Aliassime was to face French qualifier Titouan Droguet in the second round. Auger-Aliassime received a first round bye because he was a seeded player. Auger-Aliassime’s replacement from the draw turned out to be lucky loser Jaime Faria of Portugal. Droguet came through with a 7-6, 6-2 win and will next play the 28th seed, Brandon Nakashima of the United States.
Initially, Auger-Aliassime, who is a Montreal native, was to play his second round match on Tuesday. However, tournament organizers moved the match one day later.
Auger-Aliassime made tennis news lately as he released coach Frederic Fontang. The Canadian stated a week ago he plans to have a new coach after the U.S. Open according to the Canadian Press.
There is one more Canadian remaining at the 2026 National Bank Open. That is former United States Open finalist, Leylah Annie Fernandez, who also hails from Montreal. She is left in the women’s singles draw in Toronto, and will next play 2026 French Open champion Mirra Andreeva of Russia. This will be their third meeting overall, with Andreeva winning two of the matches.
