Rafael Nadal’s cousin Joan trains with Felix Auger-Aliassime preparing for the next…
While Rafael Nadal is often referred to by fans as the greatest of all time, several members of the Mallorcan’s family also have proven credentials in the international sporting scene.
Miguel Angel Nadal, the paternal uncle of the 22-time Grand Slam champion, played football for the Spanish national side as a defender and midfielder. Miguel’s brother Toni remains one of the most successful tennis coaches ever.
Rafael Nadal’s cousin Joan trains with Felix Auger-Aliassime preparing for the next…
Unsurprisingly, the next generation of sporting talent in the family is also coming to the fore with the likes of Joan Nadal Vives eager to take the next big step by honing his skills at the Rafa Nadal Academy.
Joan was spotted in a practice session with Felix Auger-Aliassime, who is currently under the tutelage of Toni Nadal.
“Joan Nadal, Rafa’s cousin, bringing an extra intensity during a practice with @felixtennis! Amazing champ,” a social media post read.
Auger-Aliassime returned to train at the Rafa Nadal Academy after a disappointing run at the Australian Open where he went down to Jiri Lehecka in the fourth round. The Canadian lost to Taylor Fritz after beating Rafael Nadal in the year-end ATP Finals late last season.
While it is perfectly normal for professional coaches to switch camps in the tennis world, it isn’t often that a mentor who is also a close relative of a player is faced with the task of overseeing the defeat of his former ward.
READ MORE:Alex Corretja explains why Novak Djokovic and Rafa Nadal aren’t…
It came as no surprise then that the tennis fraternity was fascinated by the prospect of a clash between Toni Nadal’s current protege, Felix Auger-Aliassime, who was up against Rafael Nadal in the Round of 16 at the 2022 French Open.
The 36-year-old, who was chasing a record 22nd Grand Slam title, had been coached by his uncle for pretty much his entire career until the two parted ways in 2017.
Putting an end to all speculation, Toni Nadal declared ahead of the big match that he would remain neutral before going on to explain that Felix Auger-Aliassime was aware of his stance regarding matches against Rafael Nadal.
Rafael Nadal’s cousin Joan trains with Felix Auger-Aliassime preparing for the next…
While Rafael Nadal is often referred to by fans as the greatest of all time, several members of the Mallorcan’s family also have proven credentials in the international sporting scene.
Miguel Angel Nadal, the paternal uncle of the 22-time Grand Slam champion, played football for the Spanish national side as a defender and midfielder. Miguel’s brother Toni remains one of the most successful tennis coaches ever.
Rafael Nadal’s cousin Joan trains with Felix Auger-Aliassime preparing for the next…
Unsurprisingly, the next generation of sporting talent in the family is also coming to the fore with the likes of Joan Nadal Vives eager to take the next big step by honing his skills at the Rafa Nadal Academy.
Joan was spotted in a practice session with Felix Auger-Aliassime, who is currently under the tutelage of Toni Nadal.
“Joan Nadal, Rafa’s cousin, bringing an extra intensity during a practice with @felixtennis! Amazing champ,” a social media post read.
Auger-Aliassime returned to train at the Rafa Nadal Academy after a disappointing run at the Australian Open where he went down to Jiri Lehecka in the fourth round. The Canadian lost to Taylor Fritz after beating Rafael Nadal in the year-end ATP Finals late last season.
While it is perfectly normal for professional coaches to switch camps in the tennis world, it isn’t often that a mentor who is also a close relative of a player is faced with the task of overseeing the defeat of his former ward.
READ MORE:Alex Corretja explains why Novak Djokovic and Rafa Nadal aren’t…
It came as no surprise then that the tennis fraternity was fascinated by the prospect of a clash between Toni Nadal’s current protege, Felix Auger-Aliassime, who was up against Rafael Nadal in the Round of 16 at the 2022 French Open.
The 36-year-old, who was chasing a record 22nd Grand Slam title, had been coached by his uncle for pretty much his entire career until the two parted ways in 2017.
Putting an end to all speculation, Toni Nadal declared ahead of the big match that he would remain neutral before going on to explain that Felix Auger-Aliassime was aware of his stance regarding matches against Rafael Nadal.