French Open 2022 – Rafael Nadal has no problem with Felix Auger-Aliassime – who is coached by his uncle Toni

Because Rafael NadalFamily is all.

So when Nadal faces Felix Auger-Aliassime in the fourth round at Roland Garros on Sunday, he won’t worry if his uncle, Toni Nadal, sits in the stands in his new role as Auger-Aliassime’s coach.

“I spoke to Toni after my match,” Nadal said on Friday, after beating Botic van de Zandschulp 6-3, 6-2, 6-4. “For me, it’s very simple. He’s my uncle. I don’t think he can want me to lose, no doubt, but he’s a professional and he’s on a bridge. another player.”

This is the first time Nadal has faced Auger-Aliassime since his uncle started coaching the Canadian.

“I don’t know what will happen, whether he stays in the box or not, but I don’t care. I have no problem with that. So it’s not a story for me. .

“I know what feeling [are] that we have between each other. I know he wants the best for me. Now he is helping another player. But honestly, for me, it’s a no-brainer, and I know he wants the best for me. “

Toni Nadal is a key player in his nephew’s career, joining him in his record 14 Grand Slam titles, including nine of his 13 French Open titles. In 2016, Toni left the tour to work as head coach at the Rafael Nadal Academy in Mallorca. He was replaced by Carlos Moyaformer world number 1 who is still his coach.

Nadal said his uncle didn’t need to ask him if he should coach Auger-Aliassime and that whatever happens on Sunday, nothing will change between them.

“For me, I can’t thank enough for all the things he’s done for me during all these years,” he said. “I have no problem with whatever position he’s taking. I want the best for him and he wants the best for me.

“We are family more than anything else. Not just family; we are a family we are always together. We live in the same village. We spend time in the academy together. We lived together with incredible emotions.

“He’s not just an uncle. He’s more than that.”