"I decided on a smaller team": Auger-Aliassime explains split with Toni Nadal

Felix Auger-Aliassime commented on his separation from Toni Nadal after they decided to take a break in their professional relationship. The world No. 21 acknowledged that he has a good relationship with the coach but decided to reduce his team to just three people: his father, his lifelong coach, and the physical trainer.

The 23-year-old has had a good performance at the French Open, with victories over Yoshito Nishioka (No. 70), Henri Squire (No. 221), and the 15th seed Ben Shelton. In the fourth round, he will challenge the third seed: Carlos Alcaraz.

The Canadian confirmed at the beginning of May that he was no longer collaborating with Toni Nadal. After Indian Wells, they decided to take a break, and he asked his father to join his team, although he did not rule out the possibility of working again with the former coach of Rafa Nadal.

Less than two months later, Felix had his best performance in a Masters 1000, reaching the final of the Madrid Open without even being among the seeds, which allowed him to return to the top 20 after several months: "I have a lot of respect for Toni, and we have a good relationship. A while ago, I decided that I wanted to have a smaller team, with my lifelong coach, my physical trainer, and my father,” Auger-Aliassime said at Roland Garros.

“I have learned a lot from Toni regarding the philosophy he has applied to tennis and his experiences with Rafa. I really liked his approach that you have to push yourself every day, be humble, and assume responsibilities in difficult times. I think I accept difficulties better and learn more from defeats thanks to this approach," the former world No. 6 added.

Felix’s next challenge will be against world No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz in their first meeting on clay. The head-to-head record is 3-2 in favor of Auger-Aliassime, although the Spaniard won their last two encounters.