Felix Auger-Aliassime gives Toni Nadal coaching update
Felix Auger-Aliassime has confirmed that legendary coach Toni Nadal is no longer “actively” part of his team as the Canadian looks to rise back up the rankings in 2024.
Most famous for working with his nephew, Nadal first started working with Auger-Aliassime in April 2021, helping guide the Canadian to five career titles and a career-high of sixth in November 2022.
The 23-year-old’s form has dipped since his strong 2022 campaign and he is currently down at 35th in the ATP Rankings, though has impressed on his way to the last four in Madrid.
Auger-Aliassime received a walkover into the semi-final after the withdrawal of Jannik Sinner and, speaking to French journalist Carole Bouchard in Madrid, he confirmed that Nadal was not travelling as part of his coaching set-up, alongside long-term coach Frederic Fontang.
However, he did reveal that he was still in touch with Nadal and that he was now travelling heavily with his dad.
“My coach has been here this whole tournament, Frederic, you saw him on the court. My physio, my friends, hitting partner,” said the Canadian.
“And no, Toni is back home. So far we are travelling just this team together.
Prepped and ready for tomorrow ✅
See you there: @MutuaMadridOpen pic.twitter.com/fVWCwPzH1S
— Félix AugerAliassime (@felixtennis) May 2, 2024
“My dad has been also with me more and more this year. In the indoors he was with me, he was with me Monte Carlo and Munich. So my dad is also a big help at times, he’s going to be at the French Open.
“Until further notice, Toni, we’re still in touch but he’s not actively part of the team like travelling and with me. But he was always a good voice, good [to] add let’s say somebody from the outside that has experience.
“But he’s not actively with us this week.”
Once considered one of the hottest prospects in the sport, Auger-Aliassime will hope his Madrid run will lead to a resurgence in his career after a tricky 15 months.
The Canadian successfully defended his Basel title at the tail-end of 2023 but that was the one high point in a season that saw him lose in the first round of Grand Slams three times.
After ending 2022 as the world No 6 – having qualified for the ATP Finals – he fell to 29th by the end of last year and is currently outside the top 30.
However his performance in Madrid – where he most notably defeated in-form Casper Ruud in round four – has him at 28th in the live rankings as things stand.
