Although they have succeeded in forging their own successful paths, Felix Auger-Aliassime and Leylah Fernandez are constantly learning from each other.
Both hailing from Montreal with a burning desire to win for their country, Team Canada’s leading stars have been enjoying the limelight in recent times. Auger-Aliassime and Fernandez were at the forefront of Canadian history in 2022 and 2023, respectively, as they guided their nation to maiden titles at the Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup.
“It's cool to share the spotlight together more than once in a while,” Auger-Aliassime told ATPTour.com at the United Cup in Perth. “We know each other a lot more now than we did when [we first started out on Tour].
“It’s nice that we have had more opportunities to be together, at the Olympics, in team competitions. We also had some good runs in tournaments at the same time.”
TEAM CANADA 🇨🇦 #UnitedCup pic.twitter.com/bAKKvAW9CL
— United Cup (@UnitedCupTennis) December 26, 2024
Auger-Aliassime teams up with Fernandez for a second straight year at the United Cup this week, with Team Canada’s bubbly energy at an all-time high. Although playing-captain Auger-Aliassime jokes that his dedication is down to the desire to mould himself a “beach body”, his commitment acts as motivation for Fernandez.
“The amount of time and focus Felix puts into craft detail is just so high, and it’s very inspiring,” said Fernandez, who produced a fairytale run to the US Open final in 2021. “That’s something that I have learned a lot [from him], because after a long season, sometimes you can lose focus, but all the time I see him it’s very high.”
After being hampered by a knee injury at last year’s United Cup, Auger-Aliassime was forced to sit out of the singles matches. Yet this presented the opportunity to immerse himself in Fernandez’s battles.
“I got more of a chance to watch her matches in full, and the way she was competing, I loved,” said Auger-Aliassime. “When she plays well, she is one of the toughest players to beat. We know how hard she fights, and that’s one thing that anybody can take [from her].”
Team Canada at the 2025 United Cup in Perth. Photo: TENNIS AUSTRALIA
Although Auger-Aliassime’s attention to detail is reflected in his five ATP Tour titles and career-high ranking of No. 6 in the PIF ATP Rankings, he also seems to know how to have a good time. The 24-year-old, who has been competing at the same events as Fernandez since he was 10, has developed a bond with his countrywoman lately.
“Growing up, I've always thought of Felix as a very focused, serious type of guy,” said World No. 31 Fernandez. “But getting to know him over the past couple of years, he's actually very fun. “He’s obviously very serious about his craft, but I think he does it at the right time and place. Off the court, he is super positive and fun to be around.”
Team Canada faces Croatia in the opening tie of Group A, which also contains Team USA, led by Taylor Fritz and Coco Gauff. Fernandez will battle Donna Vekic in the opening rubber before Auger-Aliassime takes on Borna Coric, who leads their Lexus ATP Head2Head series 2-1. The Canadians will then team up in a mixed doubles rubber against Ivan Dodig and Vekic to close the tie.
“Hopefully we get to stay here long enough that we get to create more memories together, and travel to Sydney together, if we get there,” said Fernandez.
