Novak Djokovic returns to competition this week at the Monte Carlo Masters 1,000 almost two months after winning the Australian Open and claiming his eighteenth Grand Slam title. The Serbian has been preparing thoroughly for his first big date on clay and for several weeks he has been seen training on the clay courts of Monte Carlo to reach this stage of the season in the best possible shape.
Djokovic was asked about the arrival of Toni Nadal, former coach of his great rival Rafa Nadal, to the team of Felix Auger-Aliassime, a fact that he believes would not occur in his team. “I cannot imagine Marian Vajda (his coach) training another player while I continue to play on the circuit,” said the Serbian.
However, the news did not catch Djokovic by surprise, who already knew of the Canadian tennis player's frequent attendance at the Rafa Nadal Academy. “I know that Félix has spent a lot of time in recent years at the Rafa Nadal Academy and that he received advice from Toni when he was there. Toni was probably excited about this new project, a new adventure on the circuit with one of the best young tennis players in the world. world right now. “
Djokovic is also confident that the partnership between Toni Nadal and Felix Auger-Aliassime can give the Canadian tennis player very good results. “Félix is a fantastic boy. He is someone with a hard work ethic, which is something very important to Toni. I wish them the best. It is very nice to see Toni on the circuit again. He has obviously left his mark with Rafa for many years. I feel like it can only bring positive things to the game and to Felix's mentality. “