Rafael Nadal insists Uncle Toni will be ‘zero problem’ in Felix Auger-Aliassime clash
Rafael Nadal says he expects no favours from his uncle Toni when he faces Felix Auger-Aliassime at the French Open.
Nadal beat Botic Van De Zandschlup 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 in round three in what the Spaniard described as his ‘best match of the tournament so far’ to move into the round of 16.
There he will meet Auger-Aliassime, who is now coached by Toni Nadal – Rafa’s uncle who masterminded most of his career.
Rafael Nadal, though, attempted to dismiss that connection as a sub-plot of their upcoming Roland Garros match.
“I already talked with Toni after my match,” Nadal said.
“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 going to happen, if he’s going to stay in the box or not, but I don’t care. I have zero problem with that. It’s not a story at all for me.
Near perfect 💯@RafaelNadal | @Infosys | #RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/N2NA5rgkBe
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 27, 2022
“I know 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.”
On Auger-Aliassime, Nadal added: ”He’s one of the players in better shape on Tour, without a doubt. He’s a Top 10 player.
“It’s a Round of 16 [match]. I know I have to play at a very high level to have chances to keep going. It’s going to be a good test. In some ways, that’s what I need.”
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