Felix Auger-Aliassime and his longtime girlfriend, Nina Ghaibi, recently concluded a memorable trip to Togo, sharing their experiences with fans on social media. The couple, who have been together for almost six years, spoke fondly of the “joyous” locals they encountered and the meaningful moments they shared in the African nation.
This trip was particularly special for Auger-Aliassime, as Togo holds a deep personal significance for the Canadian tennis star. His father, Sam Aliassime, a tennis coach, was born in Togo and emigrated to Canada at the age of 25.
### **A Tough 2024 Tennis Season for Felix Auger-Aliassime**
Before embarking on his trip, Felix Auger-Aliassime wrapped up a challenging 2024 tennis season. The 23-year-old concluded his campaign at the Swiss Indoors Basel in October, an event where he had triumphed in both 2022 and 2023. However, this year, his journey ended prematurely with a loss to eventual champion Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard.
Initially, Auger-Aliassime was slated to compete in the Paris Masters and the Davis Cup Finals. Unfortunately, a back injury forced him to withdraw from both events, cutting his season short.
While the year didn’t yield the consistent success he had hoped for, there were a few highlights. Auger-Aliassime reached his first Masters 1000 final at the Madrid Open and earned a mixed doubles bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. He narrowly missed out on a singles medal, falling one win short of the podium.
The five-time ATP tour titlist is now setting his sights on 2025, where he will begin the season representing Canada in the United Cup.
### **A Journey to Recharge in Togo**
After the ups and downs of 2024, Felix and Nina sought to recharge by visiting Togo, a country close to Felix’s heart. This wasn’t their first visit; the couple had previously traveled to the West African nation in 2022.
During their most recent trip to Kara, Togo, Auger-Aliassime and Ghaibi immersed themselves in the local culture. They engaged with locals, participated in games, and spent time with young tennis enthusiasts. In one touching moment, Auger-Aliassime was seen playing tennis with aspiring young players, inspiring them to chase their dreams.
Nina Ghaibi shared snapshots of the trip on Instagram, capturing moments of joy and cultural exchange. In one post, she reflected on the experience:
> “Another Togo trip in the books filled with the most joyous, generous, and inspiring groups of people I’ve witnessed.”
Felix also shared an emotional video message to highlight the vibrant culture of Togo and the determination of its younger generation. However, he didn’t shy away from addressing the challenges the country faces, particularly the lack of infrastructure and opportunities for aspiring athletes.
### **The Aliassime Family’s Commitment to African Youth**
In 2022, Felix Auger-Aliassime and his father, Sam, took a significant step toward addressing these challenges by launching a sports initiative in Togo and Côte d’Ivoire. Their mission is to inspire young athletes and provide the necessary support and structure to help them succeed without having to leave their home countries.
Reflecting on the motivation behind the project, Sam explained:
> “One day, Felix and I were talking. A lot of players of African origin have been successful in the US, Canada, and Europe. Why aren’t there any from the continent? So, I went to see what’s going on—and especially what’s not going on. Everything’s in place, but there’s no structure.”
The initiative aims to give 1,000 African children between the ages of six and eight the chance to start playing tennis within a system designed to ensure their long-term development.
> “We have to take the structure here (in Canada) and adapt it to African realities and then set goals for the next ten years,” Sam said.
### **Connecting Through Culture and Sport**
The trip wasn’t just about tennis for Felix and Nina. The couple embraced the local culture wholeheartedly. In one memorable moment, Felix joined a traditional dance group, moving to the rhythm of drums and celebrating with the community. These moments of cultural exchange underscored the deep connection Felix feels to his father’s homeland.
For Felix, the trip was as much about giving back as it was about reconnecting with his roots. His interactions with the local community and young athletes reflected his commitment to using his platform to inspire the next generation.
### **Looking Ahead to 2025**
As Felix Auger-Aliassime prepares for the upcoming 2025 tennis season, the trip to Togo serves as a reminder of his broader goals both on and off the court. While the 2024 season may not have been his most successful, his determination to improve remains unwavering.
Through his initiative in Togo, Felix is proving that his legacy extends far beyond his achievements in tennis. By investing in the dreams of young athletes and advocating for structural change, he’s helping to shape a brighter future for the next generation.
The journey to Togo was more than just a vacation—it was a reaffirmation of Felix Auger-Aliassime’s values: perseverance, connection, and a deep sense of purpose. Fans will no doubt be eager to see how this renewed sense of inspiration translates to his game in 2025.