French Open 2022: Rafael Nadal meets his uncle Toni for the first time – duel electrifies Roland-Garros

It’s hard to believe, but Rafael Nadal also has his first time in his 20-year professional career.

In the round of 16 of the French Open he will play against his uncle Toni Nadal for the first time – at least in a figurative sense. The 61-year-old is the coach of Nadal’s upcoming opponent Félix Auger-Aliassime.

A “tricky situation” for the young Canadian, says Eurosport-Expert Àlex Corretja. Toni Nadal had already made it clear that he would stay out of a potential clash between his nephew and his protégé.

“If we play Rafa, I won’t be in either box. I’m still the director of the academy, I’m still working for him and I’m Rafael’s uncle,” said the Spaniard.

Toni Nadal returns to the Tour as Auger-Aliassime coach

However, Corretja does not believe that the unusual situation will have a negative impact on Auger-Aliassime’s game. “I think Félix has been working with Toni long enough now. He knows the tactics of all the other top players,” said the two-time French Open finalist.

Until 2017, Toni Nadal had looked after Rafa as a coach, before he surprisingly withdrew from the team of the 21-time Grand Slam winner in 2017.

He justified his decision at the time by wanting to spend more time with his family and at his nephew’s tennis academy in Manacor, Mallorca.

However, in 2021 he returned to the tour as coach of Auger-Aliassime.

Nadal: ‘He’s not just my uncle, he’s more than that’

However, Nadal is not concerned that his uncle will use his knowledge against him. “It’s easy for me: I don’t think my uncle could want me to lose,” said the 35-year-old: “I know he only wants the best for me. He’s helping another player now, but that’s not a problem for me.”

Despite the special circumstances, nothing will change in terms of communication within the Nadal family. “As a family we spend time together all the time. We live in the same place, we are always together at the Academy. We have experienced an incredible amount of emotions together,” said Nadal: “He’s not just my uncle, he’s more than that.”

Corretja: Toni would never coach against Rafa

Auger-Aliassime, who doesn’t expect any “insides” from his new coach, also knows this: “Toni will watch the match from a neutral point,” confirmed the Canadian.

Auger-Aliassime is aware of the special bond between his coach and his nephew. “Rafa’s career and what the two have achieved is much bigger than Sunday’s match,” said the 21-year-old at the press conference after his three-set win over Filip Krajinovic.

And Toni Nadal? He’ll enjoy the match. At least that’s what Corretja, who knows the 61-year-old well, believes: “No matter who wins, he’ll find it good. His heart will be with Rafa, his head probably with Félix. But he would never coach against Rafa.”