Felix Auger-Aliassime recently made headlines for throwing shade at Jack Draper over a controversial moment during their Cincinnati Open clash last year. The incident occurred in the third round of the ATP Masters 1000 event, where Draper was controversially awarded match point despite replays showing a double bounce on his decisive half-volley. Auger-Aliassime expressed his frustration towards chair umpire Greg Allensworth for the contentious call.
The Canadian then turned to Draper, who claimed he was unaware of the double bounce and was open to replaying the point. However, the chair umpire stood firm, allowing Draper to progress in the tournament. This incident sparked backlash from fans, with many accusing Draper of dishonesty.
In a recent video shared by the ATP Tour on social media, players were given ‘naughty’ and ‘nice’ donuts to place sticks on based on their preferences. When Auger-Aliassime received a stick with Draper’s name on it, he placed it on a naughty donut and commented, “Well he’s on the naughty list. I think the tennis fans know why.” This playful jab reignited memories of the controversial Cincinnati Open moment among fans.
Novak Djokovic also weighed in on the incident, criticizing the lack of video review in tennis matches. The 24-time Major champion called for changes in the ATP and WTA Tours to prevent similar controversies in the future. He emphasized the need for technology to ensure fair play on the court.
As the 2025 season concluded, Auger-Aliassime finished as the World No. 5, winning three titles and reaching the semifinals of the ATP Finals. In contrast, Draper faced another injury-marred season but is set to return to action at the 2026 United Cup.
The controversy between Auger-Aliassime and Draper serves as a reminder of the need for transparency and fairness in tennis officiating. Fans and players alike hope that steps will be taken to prevent such incidents from occurring again in the future.
