Felix Auger-Aliassime Withdraws from Montreal Open After Suffering Back Injury

Canadian tennis star Felix Auger-Aliassime has been forced to withdraw from the Montreal Open 2026 after suffering a back injury during practice, dealing a major blow to both the home favorite and local fans.

The former World No. 4 was scheduled to begin his campaign against French qualifier Titouan Droguet, but was unable to take to the court after experiencing significant discomfort during his final practice session.

Injury Forces Last-Minute Withdrawal

According to tournament officials, Auger-Aliassime injured his back during Monday's practice. Although his medical team worked to help him recover in time, the Canadian continued to struggle with pain and was unable to serve comfortably during his pre-match warm-up.

Following medical advice, he made the difficult decision to withdraw from the tournament before stepping onto Centre Court.

Huge Disappointment for Home Fans

The Montreal Open is one of the biggest events on the Canadian tennis calendar, and Auger-Aliassime was expected to be one of the main attractions.

His withdrawal leaves home supporters disappointed, as many were hoping to see the Canadian make a deep run in front of his own crowd.

Instead, Frenchman Titouan Droguet advances to the next round without playing.

US Open Fitness Now in Focus

With the US Open 2026 just weeks away, attention now turns to Auger-Aliassime's recovery.

Back injuries can be unpredictable, and the Canadian will hope the problem is only minor so he can return for the remainder of the North American hard-court swing.

His team is expected to monitor the injury closely before making any decisions regarding upcoming tournaments.

A Tough Week for the Canadian Open

Auger-Aliassime's withdrawal adds to a growing list of high-profile absences and surprises during this year's Canadian Open.

Several top players have either withdrawn due to injuries or suffered unexpected defeats, making the ATP Masters 1000 event one of the most unpredictable tournaments of the season.

Final Thoughts

Felix Auger-Aliassime's withdrawal is disappointing news for Canadian tennis fans, but protecting his long-term health remains the priority.

With the US Open approaching quickly, fans will be hoping to see the Canadian star recover in time and return to full fitness for the final Grand Slam of the season.