“He respects the player I am,” Felix Auger-Aliassime opens up about his changed relationship with Rafael Nadal following rise in rankings
Felix Auger-Aliassime believes the Spanish icon Rafael Nadal treats him with even more respect.
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Felix Auger-Aliassime with Rafael Nadal
Rising Canadian tennis star, Felix Auger-Aliassime has opened up about the changes in his relationship with the Spanish icon Rafael Nadal. The 22-year-old believes he is getting more respect from Nadal after his great performance in the last couple of years. Auger-Aliassime is currently competing in the Rotterdam Open as the defending champion.
Before arriving in the Netherlands, he spent several days at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Manacor, where he trained under his current coach Toni Nadal, uncle and former long-time coach of Rafael Nadal. During the same visit, he got a chance to catch up with Rafa who made him take a guided tour of his trophies.
“During the visit to the museum, Rafael told me about the meaning of certain trophies and stories related to some towers. It’s always interesting to discuss with him,” said Félix during an interview with the Journal de Québec about the visit. “Rafa has always been very correct, kind, and humble with me, but our relationship has changed a little since I confirmed my place among the best. He respects the player I am and can become,” he acknowledged how Nadal sees him as a player now.
“We have always had good discussions and I appreciate every opportunity to talk with him, as well as with Roger Federer, Andy Murray, and Novak Djokovic. I’m trying to learn a little about some of the experiences they have experienced and how they see tennis,” Auger-Aliassime continued.
Felix Auger-Aliassime eases past Lorenzo Sonego in Rotterdam making a great start to his title defense
The Canadian player made a flying start to his title defense at ABN AMRO Open on Tuesday. Auger-Aliassime defeated Italian Lorenzo Sonego 6-2, 6-3 in the opening round in Rotterdam. With the win, he set up the second-round clash with Frenchman Gregoire Barrere.
Auger-Aliassime won the tournament last time he was there in 2022 after beating Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final. The Moncao resident was happy with the performance in the first round of the tournament after having an unsuccessful Australian Open campaign. He is finding himself in a good position to repeat the success of last year.
“Of course, I was hoping to win and get through, but 6-2, 6-3 is a great performance against a player that is tricky like he is, or competitive like he is,” Auger-Aliassime said after the match. “He always fights and he always hangs in matches, so for me to win without dropping my service and in this fashion, it’s a great way to start the week.”
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