TURIN, Italy — Canadian tennis star Felix Auger-Aliassime has broken his silence after a physically compromised performance forced his withdrawal from the 2023 Nitto ATP Finals, a decision that came with a significant financial cost, forfeiting a guaranteed $157,462 (£126,000) just for participating in the prestigious season-ending tournament.
The 23-year-old was announced as a late replacement for the injured Stefanos Tsitsipas, marking his second consecutive appearance at the Finals. However, his campaign was cut devastatingly short after just one match, a straight-sets loss to Jannik Sinner, during which he was visibly hampered and struggled to move freely on court.
A Heartbreaking Decision in Turin
In a heartfelt statement released on social media, Auger-Aliassime addressed his fans and the tournament organizers, explaining the difficult choice. "It's with a heavy heart that I announce my withdrawal from the Nitto ATP Finals," he wrote. "My 2023 season ended yesterday, after a difficult loss, playing with an injury that has been bothering me for the past few months."
The specific injury was a nagging one. Auger-Aliassime revealed he has been managing a significant strain in his right adductor, a muscle group in the inner thigh critical for the explosive lateral movements required in tennis. Despite intensive treatment and rehabilitation efforts in the weeks leading up to Turin, the muscle was not ready for the elite-level intensity demanded at the Finals.
His sole match against the eventual finalist, Jannik Sinner, laid the issue bare for all to see. Auger-Aliassime was defeated 6-4, 6-4, managing to win only 48% of points on his first serve and failing to create a single break point opportunity against the Italian. His movement was clearly restricted, a shadow of the powerful, court-covering game that has defined his career.
The Staggering Financial Ramifications
The structure of the ATP Finals makes the financial blow of an early withdrawal particularly stark. Unlike a standard tour event where prize money is earned per match won, the Finals guarantee a substantial participation fee for simply qualifying and playing the first match, with additional bonuses for victories and progression.
By withdrawing after his first round-robin match, Auger-Aliassime forfeited the remainder of his participation fee. The figures are substantial:
- Participation Fee (forfeited): $157,462 (£126,000)
- Alternate Fee (earned): $95,000 (£76,000)
As the official alternate who stepped in for Tsitsipas, he did receive a separate, smaller alternate fee of $95,000. However, the net result was a loss of over $62,000 (£50,000) from what he was guaranteed for completing the tournament, a sum that does not include potential winnings from any matches he might have won.
A Season Hampered by Physical Struggles
The 2023 season has been a challenging one for the Canadian, a stark contrast to his breakthrough 2022 which featured four ATP Tour titles and a rise to a career-high World No. 6. This year, he has struggled to find consistent form, partly due to a left knee issue that plagued him earlier in the season, and now this persistent adductor problem.
In his statement, Auger-Aliassime expressed his frustration and disappointment, emphasizing that pushing through would have risked a more severe, long-term injury. "It's a tough way to end the season, but my body needs rest and proper healing," he stated.
His withdrawal had an immediate ripple effect on the tournament. He was replaced in the Green Group by the first reserve, Hubert Hurkacz of Poland. Hurkacz, who had been practicing in Turin on standby, suddenly found himself thrust into the heart of the competition, facing Novak Djokovic in his first match.
The Domino Effect on the Tournament
The situation created a unique and slightly awkward scenario for the tournament's round-robin format. Auger-Aliassime's results were nullified, meaning his loss to Sinner was erased from the group standings. This fundamentally altered the dynamics for the other players in the group, including Novak Djokovic and Holger Rune, as their path to the semi-finals was now recalculated without the Canadian's involvement.
Tournament director Adam Hogg addressed the situation, stating, "It's always unfortunate when a player has to withdraw due to injury, especially at a tournament of this stature. We wish Felix a speedy recovery and are grateful that Hubert Hurkacz was prepared to step in as a very capable replacement."
Looking Ahead to Recovery and 2024
For Auger-Aliassime, the focus now shifts entirely to recovery and pre-season preparation. The goal will be to enter the 2024 season fully fit and ready to recapture the form that made him one of the most feared players on the ATP Tour. The Australian Open in January will be a primary target.
He ended his statement on a note of optimism and gratitude, writing, "Thank you to all the fans in Turin for your support. It was incredible to play in that atmosphere, even for just one night. I’ll be working hard with my team to come back stronger and healthier next year. This isn't the end, it's just a setback."
While the conclusion of his season was premature and costly, the decision to prioritize long-term health over short-term financial gain is one that many in the sport understand. The physical demands of the modern tennis calendar are relentless, and for a player of Auger-Aliassime's age and talent, ensuring a full recovery is the most important investment he can make for his future.