'It must be a little bit uncomfortable' - Rafael Nadal vs Felix Auger-Aliassime sets up Uncle Toni question
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Updated 27/05/2022 at 18:13 GMT
Rafael Nadal breezed to victory over Botic van de Zandschulp to set up a meeting with Felix Auger-Aliassime in round four of the French Open and it is a meeting of intrigue, as the Canadian is now coached by Toni Nadal - the uncle of former mentor of Rafael. Stream the 2022 French Open live and on-demand on discovery+.
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Rafael Nadal’s win over Botic van de Zandschulp has set the 21-time major winner up for an intriguing, and potentially awkward, clash with Felix Auger-Aliassime in the fourth round of the French Open.
Canadian youngster Auger-Aliassime is now coached by Toni Nadal, Rafael’s uncle and the man who helped him to so much success earlier in his career.
Toni Nadal was in Rafael’s box earlier in the tournament at Roland-Garros, and Eurosport expert Tim Henman floated an awkward scenario.
Speaking in the Eurosport studio, Henman said: “Is there some small-print in the contract that Toni does sit in the box? I don’t know.
“It must be a little bit uncomfortable for everyone involved.
“I don’t know what the answer is.”
Auger-Aliassime was asked about the issue in his press conference. He is not expecting huge tactical insight on his opponent, and expects Toni Nadal to sit in neutral corner.
"I don't know if I need insight on how Rafa plays, to be honest," Auger-Aliassime said. "I think we all know what he does well (smiling).
"I don't think Toni will tell me anything new about how Rafa plays. But we had the discussion; it was black and white from the first time we started working together we knew it was a possibility that eventually I would play Rafa when I'm working with Toni.
"And actually now he's present here in this Grand Slam. But I think Toni will watch from a neutral place and enjoy the match.
"From my part it's another match, another opportunity to try to play, you know, a good match and win, but of course it's very difficult."
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Rafael Nadal also said it was not an issue that his uncle is coaching his fourth-round opponent.
"I already talked with Toni after my match," Rafael Nadal said. "No, no, no, I don't have -- I know you are going to ask, or you guys, gonna ask the question, but for me it's very simple. He's my uncle.
"I don't think he will be able to want me to lose, without a doubt, but he's a professional and he's with another player.
"I don't know what's gonna happen, if he's gonna stay in the box or not, but I don't care. I have zero problem with that.
"So it's not a story at all for me. I know what's the feelings that we have between each other. I know he wants the best for me. Now he's helping another player. But honestly, for me, it's zero problem, and I know he wants the best for me."
Auger-Aliassime beat Filip Krajinovic 7-6(3) 7-6(2) 7-5 to advance to the fourth round, and Henman said it was a performance that would boost the 21-year-old’s confidence.
“Coming through three tight sets shows he is playing well in those big points and coming through in those pressure moments,” Henman said. “Felix Auger-Aliassime will be delighted to come through, that is a proper clay-court win.”
While it was an impressive win, the stakes will be raised when he takes on the 13-time French Open champion.
Henman was impressed with Nadal’s performance in beating Van de Zandschulp.
“It is each and every point, whether Rafa is serving or receiving, he is looking to establish himself in the rally,” Henman said. “When he starts dictating, being a leftie and opening up the angles, we have seen it before.
“He has lost only an average of 7.6 games in a match. That is a good stat when it is best of three, let alone when it is best of five.
“He only hit backhands after his serve on five occasions. It is such a strong shot, that every time you are getting the ball back into play you are facing Rafa’s forehand.”
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