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.

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"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

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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.