Félix Auger-Aliassime dreams of tennis World Cup ahead of Indian Wells return

FLASHBACK: Auger-Aliassime teamed up with countrywoman Leylah Fernandez at Eisenhower Cup earlier this week.

The next generation is already making their mark on the game, but Félix Auger-Aliassime dreams of leaving an even bigger legacy as he prepares to play the BNP Paribas Open.

Asked what he would change about the sport, the Canadian opined about overhauling tennis entirely, moving towards an emphasis on team formats not unlike football or baseball.

“We should have a big World Cup,” said the world No. 10 in his pre-tournament press conference. “Obviously, Davis Cup has a rich history, but at this point, it doesn’t really matter what it’s called and it’s like, ‘Ok, let’s work together and put on a huge World Cup event that people could look forward to.’ I think that would be amazing for tennis.”

Auger-Aliassime pointed to the success of events like Laver Cup, which will unveil its sixth edition this fall, as evidence for a growing appetite for team competition.

“You have the likes of Roger, Rod Laver, McEnroe, and Borg behind it and supporting it, so big names,” he said. “But outside of that, that format is excellent for people watching in person and on TV. If we were to rethink tennis into more of a team or league format, we would get more fans getting behind their team and see more interactions with players from the bench and on the court.

“The Laver Cup is only six years old, and it’s already a huge success, and everyone feels like it’s here to stay. No one is questioning if it’s going to survive. Other tournaments try to get creative but they don’t have as much success. So, I would want more team events.”

The 22-year-old has enjoyed his share of team success in his young career, leading Canada and Team World to Davis and Laver Cup victories last fall, and continues to thrive as an individual, ending a career-best 2022 at No. 6 in the ATP rankings.

Seeded eighth at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, Auger-Aliassime will open his BNP Paribas Open campaign against Pedro Martinez on Saturday after making a winning start in doubles with countryman Denis Shapovalov.