Inside Tennis Player Félix Auger-Aliassime and Equestrian Nina Aliassime’s Romantic Marrakech Wedding
In a sun-drenched celebration of love and cultural fusion, Canadian tennis star Félix Auger-Aliassime, 25, and Moroccan equestrian Nina Ghaibi, also 25, exchanged vows in an intimate ceremony at the opulent Selman Marrakech hotel on September 20, 2025. The private affair, blending Moroccan tradition with modern elegance, capped a six-year romance that began with a chance glance at a 2019 tournament and culminated in a Seychelles proposal in November 2024. Surrounded by close family, friends, and fellow tennis pros like Vasek Pospisil and Gabriel Diallo, the couple’s wedding—planned over 10 months with trips to Morocco—promised a heartfelt escape from Auger-Aliassime’s grueling ATP schedule, just weeks after his US Open semifinals run. As the newlyweds gear up for Shanghai, their Marrakech milestone feels like the perfect serve in a partnership built on support and shared dreams.
A Serendipitous Start: From Tournament Sighting to Lifelong Bond
Félix first spotted Nina from afar during the 2019 Indian Wells tournament in March, where she was attending as a spectator. “When I couldn’t shake the thought of her, I felt strongly compelled to meet her before leaving the city if I wanted to leave with no regrets,” Auger-Aliassime later shared in a *Vogue* interview. A mutual introduction through friends led to their first date, and by 2021, they marked two years with beachside Polaroids and heartfelt Instagram tributes: “Two years of love and happiness. To many more in the future.”
Nina, a competitive equestrian representing Morocco internationally and cousin to Australian tennis player Ajla Tomljanović, brought her own athletic grace to the union. Their shared worlds—Félix’s baseline battles and Nina’s saddle-side precision—fostered a deep understanding of high-stakes pressure. “Having Nina by my side through this whole journey as a professional tennis player has meant a lot,” Félix told ATPTour.com in August 2025, emphasizing their best-friend dynamic. Engaged during a romantic Seychelles getaway, they kept the news low-key until US Open media day, where Félix revealed the wedding would follow just two weeks later.
Marrakech Magic: A Cultural Tapestry of Elegance and Intimacy
Marrakech, with its vibrant souks and ochre walls, was a sentimental choice—Nina’s Moroccan roots made it a homecoming, while its luxury resorts offered a serene backdrop for Félix’s post-US Open unwind. The Selman Marrakech, a palatial retreat blending Andalusian architecture with lush gardens and mosaic pools, hosted the multi-day festivities. Planning spanned 10 months, with Félix crediting Nina for handling “everything” amid his Flushing Meadows semifinal push against Jannik Sinner (a four-set loss).
The ceremony on September 20 unfolded in the hotel’s grand courtyard, adorned with cascading florals, lanterns, and Berber rugs. Nina stunned in a custom Moroccan kaftan for the nikkah (Islamic marriage rite), transitioning to a flowing white gown for the Western vows—both sourced from Lebanese designers flown in for fittings. Félix opted for a tailored black tuxedo with subtle Moroccan embroidery, complemented by a sherwani for cultural nods. Guests, limited to 100 for intimacy, included Tennis Canada peers like Alexis Galarneau, Joshua Peck, Victor Krustev, and Nicaise Muamba—lifelong friends from Félix’s junior days under coach Frédéric Fontang—as groomsmen.
Pre-wedding rituals infused tradition: A henna night with intricate mehndi designs for Nina, followed by a rehearsal dinner of tagine feasts and live oud music. The main event featured a floral arch under starlit skies, with vows exchanged in English, French, and Arabic. “Group phone calls with our family were consistent since the moment we got engaged as everyone was so enthusiastic,” Félix recalled, noting the joy of blending Canadian and Moroccan customs.
The afterparty pulsed at a private riad, with DJ sets, belly dancers, and a full bar—Félix’s sole planning input. Nina’s sister Cilia shared Instagram Stories of the sisters dancing into the night, while Vasek Pospisil posted a clip of the couple’s altar kiss: “Pure joy ❤️.” Souvenirs from Jemaa el-Fnaa’s bustling markets—lanterns, spices, and kaftan-inspired scarves—personalized gifts for attendees.
A Union of Champions: Blending Worlds On and Off the Court
For Félix, ranked No. 13 after his US Open surge (beating Zverev, Rublev, and de Minaur), Nina’s equestrian discipline mirrors his own—both demand precision under pressure. “We really try to support each other in everything,” he said, crediting her for grounding him through injuries and slumps. Nina, who competes in show-jumping events and shares Félix’s love for adventure (beach getaways, chihuahua cuddles), has been a quiet constant—attending Laver Cup 2022 and cheering from stands.
The wedding echoes recent tennis nuptials: Fellow Canadian Denis Shapovalov wed Mirjam Björklund in Greece on September 9, 2025. As Félix eyes Shanghai (October 2-13), he joked: “Married life? More challenges, more adapting—but with Nina, it’s easy.” Their story—from a tournament spark to Marrakech vows—proves love, like a perfect forehand, finds its mark.
