Auger-Aliassime labels injury rule a disgrace after stormy win

Felix Auger-Aliassime voiced strong criticism of a Wimbledon injury rule on Sunday, labeling it "a disgrace" after his grueling five-set victory over Spain's Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the fourth round. The Canadian, seeded third, secured his quarterfinal spot but was incensed by his opponent's actions.

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The rule has to change. I think that obviously as long as the rule is like that, a player will use it to their advantage.

Fokina took an ankle injury timeout in the fourth set while Auger-Aliassime was serving and held two match points. Following the medical intervention, the Canadian lost his serve and was forced into a deciding fifth set, which he eventually won 6-7(4), 7-6(6), 6-3, 6-7(2), 6-1.

"I think the rule has to change," Auger-Aliassime stated emphatically. "I think that obviously as long as the rule is like that, a player will use it to their advantage." He argued that players should forfeit points if they sustain a serious injury during an opponent's service game, rather than being allowed to call for a physio and potentially disrupt the match's momentum.

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But to stop in the middle of an opponent's service game and to be able to call the physio, I think that's a disgrace of a rule. I don't see any other sport where you can do that. I mark my words. It's a disgrace of a rule.

Auger-Aliassime will now face seven-time champion Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals. Reflecting on his upcoming opponent, the Canadian expressed deep admiration for Djokovic's sustained excellence throughout his career, acknowledging the immense workload and dedication required to achieve such a level of success.

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I can only say good things about Novak because, I think as a kid I didn't appreciate it as much, but now I'm a player, the load of work he's done over the years, I mean, I'm not even near any of that. Just to think about it, it's crazy.