“Positive To Just Have Him Around”: Rafael Nadal on Uncle Toni Nadal Coaching Felix Auger Aliassime

Although tennis veteran Rafael Nadal still continues to play, he has left a unique legacy in tennis. He has been a true ambassador of the game and still has the hunger to achieve more. During most of his career, the Spaniard was guided by his uncle Toni Nadal. However, three years ago they decided to part ways. 

Recently, Toni Nadal shocked the tennis world when he was revealed as the new coach of upcoming talent Felix Auger Aliassime. His nephew Rafael Nadal spoke on this topic and did not have any hard feelings towards Toni. It has been three years since Rafa has been on Tour without his uncle in his corner. 

Speaking on this matter, the 34-year-old stated, “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.”

It was Toni Nadal’s dream to make Rafael Nadal a top athlete

Rafa insists that if he sees his uncle happy and content in what he’s doing, it keeps him happy too. Toni’s dream had always been to coach his nephew and make him a well-established player. At the moment, he wishes to repeat this with Felix Auger Aliassime. 

Toni Nadal stated, “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.”

Felix lost his Round of 64 matches in straight sets in the Mutua Madrid Open, while Rafa won his opening round match against Spanish teenager Carlos Alcaraz. 

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