Google News 'If Rafael Nadal and Felix Auger-Aliassime play a match, I won't be..' says Nadal's..
by JOVICA ILIC | VIEW 14399
World no. 21 Felix Auger-Aliassime proclaimed the new name in his coaching staff ahead of Monte Carlo. The young Canadian will work with Rafael Nadal's uncle Toni in Monte Carlo, Madrid and Roland Garros. Thus, an accomplished coach returns to action for the first time since 2017, when he stopped traveling with Rafa.
In the last couple of years, Toni has been taking care of Nadal's tennis complex in Mallorca, working with the upcoming stars and serving as the tournament director of the ATP 250 Mallorca Open. After four years, Toni is back on the Tour with one of the world's most prominent young stars, trying to improve his game and the ranking position.
Last November, Auger-Aliassime announced he would travel to Manacor and train with Rafa in December, spending a great time with the 20-time Major champion and his uncle, who was on his side of the court during their practice sessions.
Impressed by Toni's knowledge, Felix will work with him at a couple of tournaments this spring, seeking notable victories and his first ATP title after losing all seven finals he has reached so far! Speaking about his new challenge, Toni said that he still works for his nephew and that he wouldn't be there if Rafa and Felix meet on the court.
Also, he praised Felix and his abilities on the court, saying he should become one of the world's leading players in the years to come.
Toni Nadal will work with Felix Auger-Aliassime this spring.
"I already had a chat with Felix quite a while ago, and he left a good impression on me.
Also, through my nephew, everyone has always had nice things to say about him. When the idea of working together came to me, I told him to come to Mallorca in ten days so that we could get to know each other and to see whether what I had to say to him would be of use.
I'm Rafa's uncle and director of his tennis complex in Mallorca. Above all that, I have a special affection for my nephew. Forgetting that I'm his uncle, I've been linked to him for many years, and the day Rafa and Felix eventually play, I won't be in either box out of respect to them both.
It's a challenge for everyone. I wouldn't be able to work with someone who wasn't respectful, who had no values, because I've been lucky enough to work for my entire life with a boy who has always been respectful and has earned himself a good name.
I aspire to that. I was delighted the moment they put the idea to me. Let's not beat about the bush; this is a kid who theoretically should be among the best in the world in years to come. It's always nice to work with someone like that," Toni Nadal said.
