- Canadian tennis star Felix Auger Aliassime is no longer working with Rafael Nadal’s uncle Toni Nadal
- Toni Nadal joined Felix’s coaching team towards the end of 2021 but their working relationship has only lasted for two years
- Felix faced difficulties in his 2023 campaign with his effectiveness hindered by injuries
Canadian tennis star Felix Auger Aliassime is no longer working with Rafael Nadal’s uncle Toni Nadal as his coach.
The tennis player informed his fans of this development at the Mutua Madrid Open where he reached the finals facing off against Andrey Rublev.
Rublev overcame a determined Felix to win his second Masters 1000 championship in an exciting 4-6 7-5 7-5 match.
Under pressure to continue in the competition, the Canadian committed two double faults, the second of which gave Rublev the victory in an underwhelming final.
He announced parting ways with Toni after his semi-final victory in Madrid.
What Happened Between Toni Nadal and Felix Auger Aliassime?
The Canadian hasn’t explained in detail what led to his split with Toni. However, tennis pundits assert that his dipping performance may have informed his decision to go a separate way.
Toni Nadal joined Felix’s coaching team towards the end of 2021 but their working relationship has only lasted for two years.
Canadian tennis player Felix Auger Aliassime . Photo/Sporting News
Rumours circulating within tennis circles are that there was a conflict of interest as Toni focused too much on his nephew – Rafael Nadal – during their Roland Garros match.
Still, there were glimmers of success despite the short stint. Felix advanced to the Wimbledon quarterfinals in 2022 but 2023 was difficult for him as he battled injuries and inconsistent play.
Toni Nadal is known for his intense training technique, which places a strong focus on work ethic. He is a tough coach who pushes athletes to their absolute limits during exhausting training sessions.
He describes technical prowess as his cornerstone but also focuses on mental toughness for each of his players. His training model is evident in the success recorded by 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal.
Besides Felix, his nephew has immensely benefited from his methodical teachings of self-control, humility, and an unwavering drive to succeed.
Toni believes that tough love makes champions stronger physically and mentally.
What Next for Felix Auger Aliassime?
With Toni Nadal, no longer a part of his coaching team, Felix Auger Aliassime will have his father Sam Aliassime join him on tour. He feels more confident with his father on tour with him adding that they have a strong father-son relationship.
Sam watched all of his son’s indoor matches in Monaco and Monte Carlo. He will also be there at the French Open where he hopes to redeem himself after a tough season so far.
Felix faced difficulties in his 2023 campaign. His effectiveness was hindered by injuries, which resulted in a meagre 11-10 win-loss record.
Although there were moments of brilliance, he was not as consistent as he had been in the past. His injuries led to his Grand Slam first-round exit and a ranking decline last season.
Canadian tennis player Felix Auger Aliassime Photo/National Bank Open
He is now trying to reinvent himself and he is hopeful of a stellar season moving forward.
Felix named Frédéric Fontang as his new coach but maintained that he will keep in touch with Toni.
“My coach, Frédéric Fontang, has been here since the start of the tournament, and with him my physiotherapist and a dear friend of mine, while Toni is at home. We are still in contact with Toni, but he is currently no longer an active part of my team.
“But he’s always been a good voice, a good way to add someone from the outside who has experience and can give me useful advice on my game,” Tennnisworldusa reports.
With his current coach, Fontang, the world No. 30 is making positive progress. The recent run to the Madrid Open finals signals a return to form.
His fans are eagerly waiting for his return to Roland Garros and make history under a new coach.
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