Having recently joined the team of Quebecer Félix Auger-Aliassime, Toni Nadal believes that his new colt has everything it takes to become number 1.
By virtue of his role as a mentor, Nadal will work with “FAA” at a few important tournaments, such as the Grand Slam events. He will support Frenchman Frédéric Fontang, who remains the athlete’s head coach.
Rafael’s uncle, who has been the world’s first racket for 209 career weeks, is in a good position to know what it takes to climb to the top of the pecking order.
“I will do my best so that it becomes one day world number 1,” said Toni by video conference according to comments reported by the French portal Orange on Tuesday. I have no doubts about his ability to do this. But, for the moment, he still has to work. “
From the competition
In his quest, Auger-Aliassime, 20, will have to gain the upper hand over several other young hopefuls of his generation, such as Stefanos Tsitsipas (fifth, 22), Andrey Rublev (eighth, 23) and his compatriot Denis Shapovalov (13th , 21 years old) to name a few.
Nadal sees in it a parallel with the situation experienced by his nephew at the start of his career.
“When we arrived on the circuit with Rafael, the situation was difficult, with a lot of very good youngsters like [Roger] Federer, [Andy] Roddick, [Lleyton] Hewitt (…). Reaching the top seemed complicated, but we prepared with the goal of being able to compete with them. ”
“I think Felix should do the same. Currently, a lot of young quality players are settling down. The competition will be tough, but I think Félix will be there. ”
Auger-Aliassime is currently 21st in the ATP standings. He could, however, lose a few steps next week after being eliminated from the outset in Monte-Carlo, a Masters 1000 category tournament, on Tuesday.
He will resume action next week for the Barcelona tournament.
– .
