Felix Auger-Aliassime has become the voice of Team Canada heading into one of the most unusual Davis Cup ties in recent memory. Before Canada took the court in Halifax against Israel, the 24-year-old spoke about his role, the responsibility of representing his country, and why he prefers to leave political debates to others.
Tennis Canada’s decision to stage the tie behind closed doors — no spectators, no media — has been the defining storyline of the week. The federation cited intelligence from local authorities and national security agencies pointing to a risk of “significant disruption” if the matches were open to the public. The move was met with immediate protests from groups calling for Israel’s suspension from the Davis Cup, but inside the arena, the tennis has gone Canada’s way.
After the opening day, Canada leads Israel 2–0 thanks to straight-set victories from Gabriel Diallo and Liam Draxl. That leaves Auger-Aliassime in a commanding position, with Canada needing only one more win to clinch the tie and book their return to the 2026 Davis Cup Qualifiers. Whether or not Felix takes the court, his words ahead of the tie framed how the Canadian team is approaching the weekend: with focus on tennis first, politics second.
“I’m a Tennis Player First”
Speaking to journalist Ben Rothenberg, Auger-Aliassime made his stance clear when asked about the political storm surrounding Israel’s participation. “Well in terms of what regards me: like, I’m a tennis player. I’m a normal citizen, and I’m good at tennis, and I get to represent my country. So in terms of my involvement and what regards me, that’s it,” he said before the tied. “If one day I go into politics, I’ll let you know. But for now, I’m a tennis player, and when they call to represent the country, I go. And then in regards to what they decide to do, the authorities, it’s kind of up to them.”
The Canadian former world No. 6 acknowledged that he prefers not to take a side in the situation, although he recognized people’s right to protest, as has been happening outside the stadium during the first day of the series. “It’s a complex situation now. But people are free. People are free to do what they feel like, to do what they feel is right for them. And what feels right to me is to play when my country calls me,” the 2025 US open semifinalist added.
Protests outside, Wins Inside
Outside of the venue, around 400 demonstrators gathered near Citadel Hill, demanding that Israel be suspended from the Davis Cup. “We stand firmly demanding that the Davis Cup games between team Canada and team Israel be cancelled,” said Em Bailey of Palestine Solidarity Halifax. “And that team Israel is suspended from the Davis Cup. We refuse to accept anti-Palestinian racism.”
Inside, however, Canada’s players kept their focus. Gabriel Diallo opened the tie with an emphatic 6-1, 6-2 win over Daniel Cukierman. Ranked No. 35 in the world, Diallo never faced a break point and dominated from start to finish, converting four of eight opportunities on his opponent’s serve.
Liam Draxl followed with a strong performance in his Davis Cup singles debut, battling through a tense first set before defeating Israel’s Orel Kimhi 7-6(5), 6-4. Draxl struck eight aces and converted four break points in what became a memorable victory for the Canadian No. 2.
The wins mean Canada enters Saturday with a 2–0 lead, needing only one more rubber to secure the tie. Auger-Aliassime is expected to feature either in singles or doubles, and his presence could prove decisive in sealing Canada’s passage forward.
Leave a Reply