via Getty
PARIS, FRANCE – MAY 31: Novak Djokovic of Serbia walks back onto court following a rain delay during the Men’s Singles fourth round match against Roberto Bautista Agut of Spain on day ten of the 2016 French Open at Roland Garros on May 31, 2016 in Paris, France. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
via Getty
PARIS, FRANCE – MAY 31: Novak Djokovic of Serbia walks back onto court following a rain delay during the Men’s Singles fourth round match against Roberto Bautista Agut of Spain on day ten of the 2016 French Open at Roland Garros on May 31, 2016 in Paris, France. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Toni Nadal joining Team Felix Auger-Aliassime at Monte-Carlo Masters 2021 left the tennis world in shock. However, Novak Djokovic, who is always looking out for his fellow players, claimed he was not surprised.
Djokovic has a reputation for taking personal interests in the well-being of his fellow players. Moreover, he had even expressed a desire to coach the Canadian rising star in the past. The Serbian had said that Felix was a great guy, a very talented player, and had a fantastic work ethic.
Read More: “I Don’t Give a Sh*t”: Benoit Paire Admits of Having No Spark After Monte Carlo Masters 2021 Loss
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
via Reuters
Tennis – Murray River Open – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, February 7, 2021, Canada’s Felix Auger Aliassime reacts during his final singles match against Britain’s Dan Evans REUTERS/Kelly Defina
Novak Djokovic opens up on the Felix Auger-Aliassime and Toni Nadal link-up
In a press conference before the Monte-Carlo tournament, Novak Djokovic spoke about the Felix Auger-Aliassime and Toni Nadal link-up. He even provided insight into this new situation.
Djokovic said, “It honestly did not surprise me too much. I know Felix has spent quite a bit of time in the last couple years in Rafa’s academy training and getting an advice and mentorship from Toni.”
I'm never not gonna be impressed by Djokovic's ability to keep tabs on everyone on tour:
"It honestly did not surprise me too much. I know Felix has spent quite a bit of time in the last couple years in Rafa's academy training and getting an advice and mentorship from Toni"
— Reem Abulleil (@ReemAbulleil) April 11, 2021
The Canadian conducted his entire 2021 pre-season at the Rafa Nadal Academy. After the training got over, Felix revealed how Toni gave him first-hand suggestions to improve his game.
Now, Rafael Nadal‘s uncle and ex-coach is training Felix full time for the Monte-Carlo Masters. He will face Chilean Christian Garin in his opening round at the first clay-court Masters tournament of 2021.
Most significantly, the 20-year-old Canadian has a concerning 0-7 record in title matches. Therefore, it would be interesting to see what improvement Toni can make.
What are Djokovic’s chances of winning the Monte-Carlo Masters 2021?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Djokovic has won the Monte-Carlo Masters title twice, in 2013 and 2015. There is no doubt that he would want to win it for the third time this year. However, the 56 player-field that Monte-Carlo has is not going to make things easy for anyone.
via Getty
BELGRADE, SERBIA – JUNE 14: Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts after the match against Alexander Zverev of Germany at the Adria Tour charity exhibition hosted by Novak Djokovic in June 14, 2020, in Belgrade, Serbia. (Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images)
Additionally, the top seed has to endure a challenging route to make it to the finals as per the draw. But the 33-year-old Serbian hardly misses returning well above his expectations.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
After all, the tournament has begun, and in the next two weeks, fans will learn who claims the title. Who is your favorite for the title this year?
Also Read: “So Well Done for Him”: Rafael Nadal on Novak Djokovic Breaking Roger Federer’s Incredible Record
