Felix, Sasha, La Monf, Fonseca: What they said Wednesday at the NBO

Montrealer Félix Auger-Aliassime after being forced to withdraw from the tournament with a back injury. 

“The decision is not complicated to make, but very difficult to accept. It's a shame because I was arriving in good shape. I was ready to play in front of the Quebec public. It's a little sad, but life and the season go on.”

Alexander Zverev who lost as the top seed to Tallon Griekspoor

“I didn't expect to play well. I also didn't expect to play this bad. I think this was probably the worst match of the season. I didn't have many bad matches, but this one was up there as the worst. But that's okay. It's a process. Tennis comes with ups and downs. I'm very happy with how the last couple of months were. Now it's about getting back to that form.”

Daniil Medvedev who lost to Griekspoor’s compatriot Botic van de Zandschulp

“If I want to win matches, I need to play better than what I did today. So, it's really disappointing. I had very good practices. I beat most of the guys. I think I lost like one practice set. I was playing great, and I was playing 10 times worse in the match, which can happen but should not if you want to win.”

Gael Monfils who played his last match at the NBO after losing to Learner Tien and was honoured in a post-match ceremony)

“The first time (at the NBO) was in 2008, and to be here in 2026 is a pleasure and an honour. Thank you for making all these years wonderful. Montreal holds a truly special place for me. I wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart. It’s a tournament that leaves a mark. Every year, the atmosphere is fantastic. Maybe I’ll see you next year with my wife,” Monfils said, referring to women’s world No. 9 Elina Svitolina. 

Brazil’s Joao Fonseca who has been compared to some of the game’s greats at the age of 19 

“Everyone has their own time, and I'm just focusing on my history, and if people say you're going to be the next, I don't know, Guga (Gustavo Kuerten), (Rafa) Nadal, I don't want to be them. I just want to be me, and I'm trying to make my own history and focus on what I need to do to improve and, yeah, to be a better person and a better athlete.”

Tallon Griekspoor who upset Zverev on Centre Court

“It feels like lately when Jannik (Sinner) and Carlos (Alcaraz) are not playing, that it's wide open for everybody. I think Zverev took very good advantage of that moment in the French Open and also in Wimbledon. I guess if you beat the first seed, you open the draw, but at the same time there are still so many good players left.

And it also shows the depth in men's tennis at this point. Basically, everybody can beat everybody, which says a lot.”

World No. 65 Thiago Tirante who beat Taylor Fritz to earn his first Top 10 win on hard courts 

“I didn’t have good sensations (Tuesday). (Wednesday) was another day. I spoke with my team and I think I did a really good match. I grew up (mentally) I always had the shots. My forehand, backhand, the serve, but I think the most improvement is in my head. This year, I’ve showed to the people that I’m playing at a really good level.” 

Photo: Pascal Ratthé/Tennis Canada