“Helps Me Raise My Level and Confidence”: Felix Auger-Aliassime Speaks On His Association With Toni Nadal

The young Canadian player Felix Auger-Aliassime burst into the limelight at the 2019 Rio open, where he impressed everyone with his elegant baseline play and a delicate touch. Even though he lost in the finals to the Serbian Laslo Djere, fans had high hopes from the Canadian and followed him closely. 

Felix Auger-Aliassime has failed at finals several times

While Felix had maintained an above-par consistency throughout his career despite a few injuries, he failed to capture a single ATP tour title despite reaching the finals at seven different tournaments. Even though he is still 20 years old, it’s surprising to see a player of his quality unable to cross the finish line and falling inches short every time. 

To add more experience to his team, the young Canadian recently hired Toni Nadal to be his coach. The duo started their association at the recently concluded Monte-Carlo Masters, where Felix bowed out in the first round to the clay-court specialist, Christian Garin. 

However, in the ongoing Barcelona Open, the young Canadian is off to a flying start after defeating Lorenzo Musetti and Denis Shapovalov in the opening rounds; he will face Stefanos Tsitsipas in the quarter-finals. 

Talking to reporters after his match against Shapovalov, Felix explained the importance of having Uncle Toni on his team. “It helps me raise my level and confidence. I hope I can learn a lot from him. It is good to have him on my side,” Felix said. 

(Quotes have been translated with Google Translate)

Toni Nadal’s vast coaching experience will benefit Felix’s game

Toni Nadal played a monumental role in Rafael Nadal‘s transition from a young boy winning his first French Open title to a stalwart who has claimed 20 Grand Slam titles in his illustrious career. 

When Felix trained at the Rafael Nadal Academy under the supervision of Toni at the end of last year, it was said that Felix’s work ethic and commitment to the game impressed coach Nadal and he decided to work with him. 

But Toni Nadal won’t be accompanying him throughout the tour. Speaking on this, Felix mentioned, “For now he will accompany me in the big tournaments, Grand Slams and Masters 1000.”

With the vast experience of Toni Nadal, the tennis world will hope he can sharpen the winning mentality of Felix and help him add more weapons to his game. If Felix can win a title or two this year under Toni’s supervision, their association might turn permanent as well.