Google News Novak Djokovic speaks on Felix Auger-Aliassime & Toni Nadal collaboration
by DZEVAD MESIC | VIEW 7182
World No. 1 Novak Djokovic thinks Toni Nadal wanted a new challenge and that's why he accepted to join the coaching staff of Felix Auger-Aliassime. Auger-Aliassime, 20, is one of the most talented and promising players on the Tour.
Uncle Toni is one of the most experienced coaches on the Tour, having coached former world No. 1 Rafael Nadal for a decade and a half. "Toni probably was excited to explore a new project, a new adventure on the tour with one of the best young tennis players in the world at the moment,” said Djokovic on Sunday, as quoted on the Roland Garros website.
“Felix is a great guy. He's someone that has hard-working ethics, which is something that is very important for Toni. “I wish them all the best. It's nice to see Toni on the tour. Obviously he's had his mark with Rafa for so many years.
I feel like he can only bring positives to Felix's game and mindset”.
Auger-Aliassime hopes it will be a long-term partnership
"The goal is to keep [the collaboration] going after the clay court, for the whole year,” Auger-Aliassime told reporters.
“After that, maybe even more in the future, we’ll see. I’m happy that he’s with me to start our partnership. “Why Toni Nadal? As a coach, it’s hard to find a better one, with the track record he’s had with his nephew.
It’s a great opportunity to learn from the best, to see what I can do better to get to the next level, to just improve. In the end, that’s what’s important, to continue to become an even better player. That’s what I am trying to do with Toni.
I really like the man before the coach, I like his mentality and his values. It’s a pleasure to have him in my team”. Auger-Aliassime has had success on the ATP Tour so far but he has yet to win an ATP title.