Rafa Nadal’s uncle Toni was at the centre of controversy at the French Open on Sunday over his appearance at his nephew’s match against Felix Auger Aliassime and subsequent comments.
Toni has been Rafa’s coach throughout the majority of his nephew’s storied career, but the pair decided to part ways in recent years.
Toni is now one of Auger Aliassime’s coaches, creating an awkward scenario as Rafa was forced to play the young Canadian in the fourth round at Roland Garros on Sunday.
Toni was clearly unsure about whether or not to sit in Auger Aliassime’s box, and instead decided to sit mid-court next to French tennis boss Gilles Moretton.
Speaking before the match, he also said “ethics” didn’t allow him to share any tips with Auger Aliassime about how to beat his nephew.
He reportedly made it clear when he started working with Auger Aliassime that he would avoid any of the build-up to matches he played against Rafa.
After the match on Sunday, in which Nadal won 3-6 6-3 6-2 3-6 6-3 in a five-set epic, Toni reportedly told French TV he wanted Rafa to win.
“Felix is Felix, but my nephew is my nephew. I wanted him to win,” he said.
“For us this tournament will always be special.”
