If you’ve ever watched a high-stakes tennis match featuring Félix Auger-Aliassime, you’ve probably seen her. She’s the one in the player’s box looking like she’s holding her breath for two hours straight. Marie Auger. While his father, Sam Aliassime, gets a lot of the spotlight for being the technical architect of Félix’s game, Marie is the emotional bedrock.
Honestly, it’s kinda fascinating how little the average fan knows about her. We see the Togolese heritage on one side, but the Quebecois roots—and the woman who literally gave Félix half his name—are just as vital.
Marie Auger isn’t just a "tennis mom." She’s a teacher. A psychologist by trade. And a woman who once took a sabbatical just to make sure her son didn't lose his mind while traveling the world for work.
The Woman Behind the "Auger" in Auger-Aliassime
Most people assume the hyphenated name is just a modern stylistic choice. It’s not. It was a very deliberate decision by both parents to honor Félix’s dual heritage. Sam wanted to make sure the kids—Félix and his older sister Malika—never forgot their French-Canadian side.
Marie was raised in L'Ancienne-Lorette, a quiet suburb of Quebec City. That’s where the family eventually settled after moving from Montreal.
Growing up in that household wasn't all about forehands and backhands. Marie made sure of that. She’s a child psychology teacher. Imagine having a mom who literally studies how the developing brain works while you're trying to navigate the pressure of being a teenage prodigy.
She wasn't interested in raising a "tennis champion." She wanted a "comfortable adult."
"It makes me even happier when people tell me that Félix is a good person... because as a parent, I didn’t raise a tennis player. I helped a child become a comfortable adult." — Marie Auger, Le Journal de Québec (2022).
The Divorce Nobody Really Noticed
In 2022, Marie dropped a bit of a bombshell in an interview with Le Journal de Québec. She and Sam had divorced.
Usually, when the parents of a high-profile athlete split, it’s tabloid fodder or causes a rift in the coaching camp. Not here. They kept it so quiet and professional that most fans had no clue.
They still work together. They still sit in the same box. Marie calls it a "family project." It’s basically a masterclass in co-parenting. Even though the romantic relationship ended, the mission to support Félix remained the exact same.
Why She Took a Year Off Work
Back in 2022, Marie did something most moms in her position wouldn't dream of. She took a half-year sabbatical from her teaching job.
Why? Because Félix was 21 and the tour is grueling. It’s lonely.
She didn't go to coach him. She doesn't even consider herself a "sports fan," which is hilarious considering her son is a world-class athlete. She went to provide "home." She wanted to be the person he could talk to about something—anything—other than his first-serve percentage.
- Her Role: The "balance" at home.
- The Vibe: Emotional grounding.
- The Impact: Allowing Félix to be a human, not just a "pilot" (as she calls him).
She admits she gets "palpitations" watching him play. Who wouldn't? But she’s learned to mask it. She treats his matches like he’s a pilot and she’s just a passenger. She’s there for the ride, but she trusts him to land the plane.
The Independence Factor
One of the most surprising things Marie has shared is how independent Félix was from the jump.
When he was 10 years old, he traveled to his first international tournament alone. No parents. Most 10-year-olds can't find their socks, but Félix was navigating airports. Marie joked that she never even got a "homesick" call.
That independence is something she nurtured. She didn't want a kid who was dependent on his parents for every career move. Today, Félix makes his own decisions. He consults her, sure, but he’s the boss of his own life.
Education First (The "Teacher" Mom Influence)
You don't get through a childhood with Marie Auger without hitting the books.
Even as Félix was breaking records—becoming the youngest player to win an ATP Challenger match at 14—school was non-negotiable. He had to finish high school with good grades before he was allowed to go full-pro.
This is why Félix speaks so eloquently. It’s why he’s involved in philanthropy in Togo. Marie’s influence ensured that his brain was developed just as much as his biceps.
What This Means for Félix’s Future
As Félix navigates the 2026 season and beyond, the foundation Marie built is what keeps him from burning out. While other players crumble under the weight of expectations, Félix has a "normal" place to go back to.
When he’s at home in Quebec, Marie says she "forgets all that" fame. He’s just her son.
Actionable Takeaways from the Auger-Aliassime Family Model
- Prioritize the Person, Not the Athlete: Focus on character development (empathy, kindness) over technical skills first.
- Maintain Professionalism in Family Transitions: If parents separate, keeping a unified "project" focus on the child prevents emotional fallout in their career.
- Encourage Early Independence: Letting a child fail or succeed on their own (like traveling at 10) builds the resilience needed for high-pressure jobs.
- Value Education as a Safety Net: Professional sports are volatile; a solid educational background provides the mental tools to handle fame and the "after-career" life.
Marie Auger might not be the one hitting the balls, but she’s the reason the guy hitting them stays so level-headed. She’s the quiet architect of one of the most respected personalities in modern tennis.
To follow Félix's journey and see Marie in the stands, you can check out the upcoming ATP tour schedule or follow Félix’s official social media for family updates.