THE MODERATOR: Team Canada, welcome to United Cup. Felix, welcome to Sydney, back to the United Cup. Talk about the team's preparation so far and what you're looking forward to this week.
FELIX AUGER-ALIASSIME: Preparation has been good. Everybody's been training well. It's nice to get together as a group. Got some new faces on the team. For the most part we all know each other well. Nice to get back all together. Happens a few times in a year.
We all got here early getting ready. I think we took this seriously, and we're prepared, and we're all in good spirits. It's been a great week.
THE MODERATOR: Questions.
Q. Gabby Dabrowski was listed initially at team captain. She didn't make the trip. Any insight as to what happened there?
FELIX AUGER-ALIASSIME: Yeah, she unfortunately hurt her foot in training. Not sure how severe or how serious the injury is. She wasn't able to make it here. Hopefully she's ready for the AO.
Yeah, our thoughts are with her, because it was tough. She was ready going. Plane ticket was booked and everything. Just happened two or three days before leaving. Had to come in and be captain, sorry (smiling).
Q. How well do you know each other, and are you looking forward to playing mixed doubles together?
FELIX AUGER-ALIASSIME: Vicky had a breakthrough year last year. Amazing year. It was so much fun to watch. I think myself and teammates and all of Canada was really proud of her. I'm looking forward to it.
It would be our first time being on the same team, playing together mixed. I've had my share of experience, so hopefully I can help a little bit.
She's got all the qualities we need on the court to go all the way and win.
VICTORIA MBOKO: Yeah, I mean, as well, this being my first team event -- or United Cup. Previously playing the Billie Jean King Cup, I usually have a lot of fun playing. This being the first tournament of the year, I think it's a great start to the year.
I'm really excited to share the court with Felix, as well. There's a lot I can learn and a lot to have fun and look forward to. I think it's going to be a great week.
Q. Obviously you've both had an exceptional 2025. I wanted to get a little bit of an understanding of the decision to play a team tournament rather than a singles tournament. What drew you to the United Cup?
VICTORIA MBOKO: Yeah, well, for me, I think this is just a different format that I'm not really used to. I think it's nice to experience playing most of the time the No. 1 of each other country.
Yeah, I think just to switch things up, I think it's a great way to start the year playing round-robin matches and then maybe eventually advancing to the final group stages.
I think the whole format of everything was drawing me to play this tournament. Yeah, I'm happy with my decision.
FELIX AUGER-ALIASSIME: Yeah, it's worked well for me in the past. Before United Cup, they had ATP Cup here. We won. After I think I played every year the United Cup. One time I was a bit hurt so I didn't play much. Every time I felt like it was good preparation.
Like I've had, for example, last year losing the first match, but then winning my second match against Fritz. It kind of gives you that second chance to, okay, learn from the first loss and maybe get a win ahead of AO, right, which you don't really get that in other tournaments. In that aspect I think that's a positive thing.
Playing mixed is nice. Getting extra time on the court before the Grand Slam is also good.
Q. Cleeve and Ariana, I don't think you guys are in the doubles draw in Australia. This is obviously a long way to come. What do you hope to get out of this experience? You may not play that much. Ultimately why are you here, and what do you think you can get out of it, other than a little bit of cash?
ARIANA ARSENEAULT: Obviously, this is my second year on the team for United Cup, for Canada. Last year I had a great experience being in the environment with all the top players in the world. It prepared me a lot mentally, motivated me for my year.
I had a pretty decent year last year. Dealing with a few injuries. But I was excited to be called up again to join the team again this year and again be in the atmosphere, get some good training in in Australia, good weather.
I'm really excited to watch my teammates play, cheer them on, get that motivation again. Yeah, I'm just excited for another good start to the year.
CLEEVE HARPER: Yeah, I've never been to Australia before, so I kind of just wanted to come out here and experience it a little bit. I'm super excited to be a part of Team Canada. Any time you get a chance to play for your country, play as a team, I'm going to take it. Playing college tennis, I got used to that. I really love that aspect of it.
Yeah, you get really great training. Training with all these guys, other players from all around the world, it's a good training week for me, as well, get ready for the upcoming season.
Q. Felix, when you were my age, 11, what were you doing? Did you think you were going to represent your country?
FELIX AUGER-ALIASSIME: Well, I certainly hoped so. I dreamed of it. Yeah, you never know. You never know.
What you do know is, like, you give yourself the best chances by doing the right things, at least from what your coaches tell you, your parents, and trying to be curious as an 11-year-old. Try to look at the world and try to learn and be curious and see how you can improve.
Day by day, life goes on, you improve a little bit. One day you look back and you see the road behind and everything you've done.
But for sure I was dreaming big-time at 11. Just also enjoying, enjoying playing. I'm sure you do as well with your friends and everything. Enjoying the competition, enjoying to play, and learn more about the sport.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports