“I wanted a smaller team,” Felix Auger-Aliassime give reasons behind split with Rafael Nadal’s uncle Toni Nadal
Felix Auger-Aliassime is now into the fourth round of the French Open 2024.
Toni Nadal and Felix Auger-Aliassime (Via Tennis Majors and IMAGO)
Felix Auger-Aliassime’s partnership with Rafael Nadal’s uncle Toni Nadal in April 2021 drew a lot of attention with many dubbing it as the best collaboration. With a significant effect on the player-coach relationship, the Canadian finally revealed the reason for the split with the legendary coach in May.
During Auger-Aliassime’s partnership with Toni Nadal, the Canadian had five career titles and reached a career-high of sixth in November 2022. Despite their great relationship, fans began to sense a split when Rafael Nadal was to play Auger-Aliassime in the fourth round of the 2022 French Open. Nadal’s uncle shockingly revealed hours before the match that he was supporting his nephew rather than the Canadian star.
Yet, they continued working together but the 23-year-old’s game suffered inconsistency last year as he failed to win anything. This year, Auger-Aliassime made significant progress in his game, finishing as runner-up at the Madrid Open. But, before the final against Andrey Rublev, the Canadian announced his split with Toni Nadal. He claimed they had stopped working together since the tournament began.
Recently, Felix Auger-Aliassime revealed the reason behind the split with Toni Nadal. The Canadian said that he wanted a smaller team, but also admitted he learned a lot from the coach.
I have a lot of respect for Toni and we have a good relationship. A while ago I decided that I wanted to have a smaller team, with my lifelong coach, my physical trainer and my father. I have learned a lot from Toni in relation to the philosophy he has applied to tennis and his experiences with Rafa.Felix Auger-Aliassime said via Puntodebreak
Meanwhile, Auger-Aliassime beat Ben Shelton 6-4, 6-2, 6-1 to reach the fourth round of the French Open. He will be hoping to go further than his fourth-round exit at the 2022 French Open.
Felix Auger-Aliassime relishing his sixth meeting with Carlos Alcaraz at the French Open
Felix Auger-Aliassime is relishing his sixth meeting with Carlos Alcaraz in the fourth round of the French Open. The Canadian defeated American Ben Shelton in 1 hour and 52 minutes to earn a place in the last sixteen of the clay major tournament.
The world No. 21 has played Alcaraz five times but has never met the Spaniard on clay. Ahead, of the first clay meeting he hailed the World No.3 as the best player in the world.
It will be the first time we meet on clay, so it will be a different challenge, but just as complicated. Carlitos is still one of the best in the world.Felix Auger-Aliassime said via Puntodebreak
Auger-Aliassime leads Alcaraz 3-2 in their head-to-head. However, the Canadian has lost their last two meetings.
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Victor Okechukwu
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