Paris (AP) – It’s actually a normal round of 16 at the French Open for Rafael Nadal. This Sunday, the 13-time Paris champion meets Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime in the fight for a place in the quarter-finals.
And yet it is a very special duel for Nadal, because in his opponent’s box is someone who knows him better than anyone else: his uncle Toni.
Toni Nadal is the one who made Nadal what he is: the player with the most Grand Slam tournament wins. The 61-year-old is now the Auger-Aliassime coach and can give the Canadian valuable tips.
How big is Nadal’s respect for this special constellation? Low, as the Spaniard said. “He’s my uncle. I don’t think he wants to see me lose,” Nadal said.