Felix Auger-Aliassime confirms he’s split with Toni Nadal as he says what their relationship is now like
Felix Auger-Aliassime, the Canadian tennis star, has officially confirmed his professional split from renowned coach Toni Nadal. The partnership, which began in 2021, saw the young talent benefit from the extensive experience of Nadal, the uncle and former coach of Rafael Nadal. Despite the separation, Auger-Aliassime has clarified that their relationship remains amicable, with mutual respect continuing to define their interactions.
Speaking about the change, Auger-Aliassime revealed that Toni Nadal is no longer an active member of his coaching team, though they remain in contact. “Until further notice, Toni, we’re still in touch, but he’s not actively part of the team, like travelling with me,” he explained. This decision reflects a shift in Auger-Aliassime’s strategy as he focuses on maintaining a more streamlined and consistent coaching setup.
Auger-Aliassime’s core support team now consists of his longtime coach, Frederic Fontang, and his father, who has taken on a more significant role in recent months. “My dad has also been with me more and more this year…he’s going to be at the French Open,” he noted. The Canadian is clearly committed to a coaching structure that fosters stability and familiarity, essential for his continued development on the ATP Tour.
While the split marks the end of an official collaboration, Auger-Aliassime continues to value Toni Nadal’s input and guidance. He described Nadal as a figure who has always provided invaluable advice, emphasizing the respect he holds for his former coach’s wealth of experience. “Toni always had a good voice,” he said, highlighting the lasting impact of their time together.
The decision to part ways comes as Auger-Aliassime seeks to rebound from a challenging season that included struggles with form and injuries. As he prepares for the 2024 season, the young star appears focused on refining his game and finding the consistency needed to achieve his ambitions in the highly competitive world of tennis.
Ultimately, the split reflects a natural progression in the evolving career of Auger-Aliassime. By streamlining his team while maintaining ties with influential mentors like Nadal, he hopes to strike the right balance to propel his career forward. The mutual respect and goodwill between the two underscore the positive nature of this transition.
