Auger-Aliassime believes Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal's absence won't affect the success of Indian Wells 2023, says "it's not gonna change much"
Felix Auger-Aliassime recently claimed that the absence of Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal is not going to hamper the success of the 2023 Indian Wells Masters. Auger-Aliassime stated that there are a lot of other top players who can step up in their place and secure the legitimacy of the tournament.
Djokovic withdrew from Indian Wells after his plea for a special exemption to travel to the United States as an unvaccinated foreigner got rejected. Meanwhile, Nadal pulled out of the ATP Masters 1000 tournament owing to a hip injury he had picked up at the Australian Open.
Reflecting on the absence of two of the most decorated players on tour at the moment, Auger-Aliassime claimed there are other great players in the field who can pull off strong performances and make the tournament a success.
"It's not gonna change much I think [on Djokovic and Nadal's absence]. At the end of the day, there is a great field of players in the tournament that's gonna go on and it'll be a success," the Canadian said during his pre-tournament press conference.
At the same time, Auger-Aliassime opined that the absence of any top player does not help the sport in general.
"You know, I think for tennis, you want all the best players in the tournament. I think even me, as a competitor, like if I do win a tournament like this one, I wanna feel like there were the best of the best in the draw. Also, it's not great for anybody that like Rafa and Novak are missing," he remarked.
"It's not like it's the first event they are not there" - Felix Auger Aliassime on Djokovic and Nadal's absence at Indian Wells
Felix Auger-Aliassime later pointed out that this is not the first time Djokovic and Nadal have been absent from a tournament.
"I mean, it's not like it's the first event where they are not there. I mean, in the last few years, there have been a lot of Masters event that these players Rafael and Novak weren't there," he stated.
Auger-Aliassime also opened up about his return to Indian Wells and reminisced about the "good memories" he has had there in the past.
"It's nice to be back here. I have always good memories coming back here. Ofcourse, winning my first ATP major win here and having played good in the past, not so much in the last 2 years, but hopefully, I can change that this year," the World No. 10 expressed.
Felix Auger-Aliassime, seeded eighth, will face Pedro Martinez in the Round-of-64 on Sunday.