Stefanos Tsitsipas is about to start his run at the ATP 1000 in Monte Carlo, where he will face either Lorenzo Musetti or Aslan Karatsev in his first match.
During a recent interview in the Principality, the word the number 5 admitted that he was quite surprised by Felix Auger Aliassime hiring Rafael Nadal’s uncle and former coach Toni.
Stefanos stated that having Toni on his side will be a great advantage for Felix. However, at the end of the day, the Canadian will have to execute on the court, not Toni.
“Didn’t see that coming. It’s pretty cool having a coach that has helped Rafael Nadal win so many important titles and has shaped his career in a way. Really unexpected.
It’s really good for him. I feel like he has an advantage in having a coach like him. But he’s not going to do the playing for him. Toni might give him a few tips and good advice. It’s all going to go out on the court at the end.”
Felix will face world No.24 Christian Garin. Many people would be interested in watching the match to see how Toni has helped Felix improve his game.
Stefanos Tsitsipas in 2021
Now the world no.5 (career-high), Tsitsipas played his last match on the 1st of April when he was defeated by world no.16 Hubert Hurkacz 2-6 6-3 6-4 in the quarter in Miami (draw).
At present, during this year Stefanos has a compiled 17-5 record. Stefanos Tsitsipas’s most significant result of the present season was reaching the final in Acapulco.
Felix Auger Aliassime in 2021
Currently ranked no.21, Felix played his last match on the 28th of March when he was overcome by world no.38 John Isner 7-6(5) 7-6(5) in the 3rd round in Miami (draw).
During this season Auger-Aliassime achieved a composed 10-5 win-loss record. Felix Auger Aliassime’s most significant result of the present season was getting to the final in Melbourne.
Stefanos Tsitsipas and Felix Auger Aliassime faced off 5 times. The head to head is 3-2 for Tsitsipas. Previously, the last time when they played each other, Stefanos Tsitsipas won 7-5 4-6 6-3 in the quarter in Acapulco (Abierto Mexicano Telcel) on the 18th of March 2021.
You can watch the highlights in the following video.
Rafael Nadal in 2021
Ranked world no.3, the Spaniard played his last match on the 17th of February when he was defeated by world no.5 Stefanos Tsitsipas 3-6 2-6 7-6(4) 6-4 7-5 in the quarter of the Australian Open (draw).
At present, during this year Rafael has a 4-1 record.
Stefanos Tsitsipas, Felix Auger Aliassime |
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