Toni Nadal believes working with a two-three year plan will help Felix
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Felix Auger Aliassime
It’s been three years since the famous uncle-nephew duo of Toni and Rafael Nadal decided to end their celebrated run on the tennis courts. After coaching his nephew to the pinnacle of the men’s game, uncle Toni left the scene and turned his attention towards managing workload at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca.
While Nadal moved onto to hire former World No.1, Carlos Moya as his coach, Toni showed little interest in getting back to the tour or coaching someone personally. However, after almost three years, Toni decided to come on board to assist the upcoming, Canadian star, Felix-Auger Aliassime.
The 19-year-old hasn’t enjoyed any success at all this season on the clay. After Toni joined the camp, Felix experienced three quick exits in Monte Carlo, Barcelona and Madrid. However, speaking to the ATP tour, the 20-time Grand Slam champion, Rafael Nadal remained positive about the association.
“If it was different it would be something drastic but for the last three years he’s not with me anymore. So for me, it’s not a big thing. As I said before, it’s positive to just have him around… If he’s happy, I’m happy too, said the 34-year-old.”
Toni’s values and teaching made Rafa stronger
Much of Nadal’s success can be ascribed to the fact that he spent time with his uncle from the beginning. From coaching to teaching the right values, Toni prepared his nephew for a long haul in tennis. Now, Toni wants to replicate something similar with the next gen superstar.
“I wanted in my life to prepare my nephew for the future. For this reason, I told Felix that you have to think of the future. You have to think about how you will play in two years and three years and we have to build this player and you have to work hard,” opined the senior Nadal.
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