'If Rafa and Felix meet, I won't be in the stands,' said Toni Nadal

Finishing his coaching career in 2017, Toni Nadal returned to Mallorca and became Rafa Nadal Academy's director and the leading figure of the ATP Mallorca Open.

Now, Toni will return to action as Felix Auger-Aliassime's coach, working with the young Canadian in Monte Carlo. Speaking about Rafa, Toni explained how they had to prepare him for the challenges against Federer, Safin, Ferrero, Nalbandian and other notable youngsters in Rafa's early years. Also, he mentioned that he is still in close relation with his nephew and that he wouldn't be in the stands if Rafa and Felix meet.

"Many great young players were there when Rafa made the first professional steps, including Federer, Roddick, Hewitt, Coria, Nalbandian, Ferrero, Safin. They were all young, and it seemed that it would be tough to reach the top. I knew we have to prepare well to fight against those rivals. Rafa is upbeat, playing pretty well from what I've seen in training sessions in Mallorca.

I think he can do a good dirt tour. I'm Rafa's uncle and director of his Academy. Above all that, I have a special affection for my nephew. Forgetting that I'm his uncle, I've been linked to him for many years, and the day Rafa and Felix eventually play, I won't be in either box out of respect to them both.

I am very interested in Felix doing as well as possible, and hopefully, in the future, he can be World No. 1. I'm in no doubt. At the moment, he has to improve, and I am still Rafael's uncle," Toni Nadal said.