Greg Rusedski Warns of Conflict of Interest Over Ivan Ljubicic’s New Role with Felix Auger-Aliassime

Former world No. 4 Greg Rusedski has raised questions over whether Ivan Ljubicic can successfully manage his new coaching role with Felix Auger-Aliassime alongside his ongoing position as a special adviser to the French Tennis Federation, tennisworldde.com reported. The partnership between the Canadian player and the Croatian coach began in early October ahead of the Shanghai Masters.

Ivan Ljubicic Takes on Auger-Aliassime After Six Years with Roger Federer

Ljubicic enters the new coaching arrangement following a six-year tenure working alongside Roger Federer, whom he helped secure three Grand Slam titles between 2017 and 2018, including two Australian Open victories and the 2017 Wimbledon crown. Auger-Aliassime hired the 47-year-old coach in October to replace Frederic Fontang, who had guided the 26-year-old Canadian since his teenage years. Under Fontang’s guidance, Auger-Aliassime captured nine ATP singles titles and climbed to a career-high ranking of world No. 4.

The coaching change marks a significant shift for the Canadian, who experienced his first major coaching transition of this scale. Auger-Aliassime parted ways with Fontang in July following a quarterfinal exit at Wimbledon against Novak Djokovic. During the Shanghai Masters, Auger-Aliassime stated that he wanted to learn from Ljubicic and make adjustments to his game as he targets a stronger finish at major tournaments and aims to qualify for the ATP Finals in Turin.

Greg Rusedski Questions Federation Ties and Potential Conflicts of Interest

While Rusedski praised Ljubicic’s tactical acumen and extensive experience, he pointed out potential complications arising from the coach’s ongoing administrative responsibilities.

Speaking on his podcast Off Court with Greg, Rusedski questioned how the 47-year-old would balance both responsibilities, particularly if Auger-Aliassime faces French players on the ATP Tour. How are they going to juggle that? Rusedski asked, adding that coaching against players aligned with the French federation creates a clear conflict of interest. Despite these concerns, the former British No. 1 affirmed that hiring Ljubicic is a strong decision for the current world No. 6, citing videos of their initial training sessions and the coach’s proven pedigree.

Precedent Set by Toni Nadal Partnership at the 2022 French Open

The situation recalls Auger-Aliassime’s previous high-profile coaching dynamic with Toni Nadal, the uncle and former coach of Rafael Nadal. That partnership began in 2021 before concluding in 2024. The arrangement drew intense scrutiny during the fourth round of the 2022 French Open, where Auger-Aliassime faced Rafael Nadal in a five-set encounter that the Spanish star won 3–6, 6–3, 6–2, 3–6, 6–3.

Prior to that meeting, Toni Nadal clarified that his professional loyalties to Auger-Aliassime were distinct from his familial ties, and he ultimately chose to sit in neither player’s coaching box during the match. Similar administrative and personal overlaps have occasionally surfaced in elite tennis, though the French Tennis Federation previously asserted that no contractual barriers prevent Ljubicic from coaching an individual player on the tour.

Next Steps at the ATP Finals in Turin

Auger-Aliassime and Ljubicic continue their partnership on the ATP Tour as the Canadian works to secure valuable ranking points ahead of the season-ending ATP Finals in Turin.