All About Félix Auger-Aliassime’s Parents, Marie Auger and Sam Aliassime (Who Trained Him for 10 Years)

Félix Auger-Aliassime is making waves in the tennis world, capturing the hearts of fans with his remarkable talent and drive. But behind every successful athlete, there are supportive parents who play a pivotal role in shaping their journey to success. In the case of Félix Auger-Aliassime, his parents, Sam Aliassime and Marie Auger, have been instrumental in his rise to stardom.

Sam Aliassime and Marie Auger welcomed their children, Malika and Félix, with open arms in 1998 and 2000, respectively. Sam, a former tennis coach who ran a tennis academy in Togo, took on the role of training his son in the sport from a young age. Félix credits his father for instilling a love for tennis in him and ensuring he had a solid foundation in the game. Marie, on the other hand, a dedicated teacher, made sacrifices to support her son’s tennis aspirations.

Growing up, Félix was not just focused on tennis but was encouraged by his parents to explore various sports to become a well-rounded athlete. He entered his first international tennis tournament at the tender age of 10 without his parents by his side, showcasing his independence and determination. Despite the distance, his mother Marie jokes that he never once expressed feelings of homesickness, highlighting his strong-willed nature.

Sam Aliassime’s journey to Canada from Togo at the age of 26 was a significant move that paved the way for a new chapter for his family. Félix has spoken openly about the challenges his father faced in adapting to a new country and the sacrifices he made to support his family. The young tennis prodigy acknowledges the invaluable life lessons his parents have imparted to him, far beyond just tennis skills.

The Aliassime family is a tight-knit unit, with Malika also following in her brother’s footsteps in the world of tennis. Like Félix, Malika is no stranger to hard work and dedication, exemplifying the values instilled by their parents. Sam acted as Félix’s coach until he was 13, passing on his passion for the game and his invaluable insights to his son. This early foundation laid the groundwork for Félix’s future success on the professional circuit.

Marie Auger-Aliassime, a child psychology teacher, placed a strong emphasis on education alongside Félix’s tennis pursuits. The family made a pact to ensure Félix completed his high school education with flying colours before considering a professional tennis career. This commitment to academic excellence balanced with athletic pursuits has shaped Félix into the well-rounded individual he is today.

Despite their eventual separation, Sam and Marie continue to collaborate to support Félix’s tennis dreams. Marie reflects on the pride she feels when others commend Félix not just for his tennis prowess but for his character and intelligence. She emphasises that their shared goal was to raise a well-rounded individual, not just a tennis star, underscoring the importance of their joint effort.

As Félix’s star continues to rise in the tennis world, his parents remain a constant presence, offering unwavering support and guidance. Marie’s experience of accompanying Félix on tour showcases the blend of nerves and pride that comes with being a parent to a rising sports icon. Despite the surreal nature of Félix’s fame, his parents remain grounded, cherishing the moments spent together as a family away from the spotlight.

Both Sam and Marie take pride in Félix’s impact on inspiring young Black athletes to pursue tennis, breaking down barriers and paving the way for greater representation in the sport. Their unwavering support and dedication have been instrumental in Félix’s journey to success, serving as a testament to the invaluable role parents play in shaping the trajectory of an athlete’s career.

In a world where sports stars are often in the limelight, Félix Auger-Aliassime’s parents, Sam Aliassime and Marie Auger, stand as pillars of strength, guidance, and support behind the scenes. Their commitment to nurturing not just a tennis player but a well-rounded individual shines through in Félix’s journey to the upper echelons of the tennis world.