Felix Auger-Aliassime was the first player that Toni Nadal officially coached after Rafael Nadal.
Toni Nadal coached Rafael Nadal for 27 years, before leaving his nephew’s team in 2017.
He did not coach on the ATP Tour again until four years later, with Toni Nadal helping Auger-Aliassime until last year.
Toni Nadal has recently been spotted on-court with Alexander Zverev, and he has now revealed what his plan for the future is.
Photo by Giampiero Sposito/Getty ImagesToni Nadal suggests if he is planning to return to the ATP Tour as a coach
There has been a lot of speculation about Toni Nadal becoming Zverev’s coach after he was spotted with him during a training session at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca.
However, the 64-year-old has now suggested to Clay Magazine that he is unlikely to return to a full-time role on the ATP Tour and would rather keep his focus on the academy.
“Look, I can’t rule it out 100%, I like coaching,” said Toni Nadal. “But I especially like helping the kids at the academy, even though I’m no longer the director.
“To be a good coach, you have to be very dedicated; that’s the main thing. You stand out when you’re immersed in what you’re doing, when you’re obsessed. I was obsessed above all with Rafael, with him becoming very good.
“That led me to always look for solutions, to look for the best strategy. At my age, what I think I can offer is tennis advice.”
Toni Nadal reveals what he told Felix Auger-Aliassime after leaving his coaching team
The only player that Toni Nadal has advised for an extended period since leaving Rafael Nadal’s team is the aforementioned Auger-Aliassime.
Toni Nadal supported Auger-Aliassime’s main coach Frederic Fontang between 2021 and 2024, helping him win his first five titles on the ATP Tour.
Photo by Oscar J. Barroso / Europa Press Sports via Getty Images
When discussing how his collaboration with the Canadian, who reached a career-high ranking of world number six, went, Toni Nadal believes it was generally a successful period.
“Besides the fact that I enjoyed being back on the circuit for a few weeks, I think we did a good job,” said Toni Nadal. “He reached 22nd in the world rankings and climbed to sixth the following year.”
Toni Nadal then explained that he told Auger-Aliassime he could not properly commit to the role, bringing an end to the partnership in 2024, but did not completely cut the relationship off.
“For me, it was stimulating, it was a great stage, but I told Félix myself: ‘You need someone who is much more involved’.” revealed Toni Nadal.
“I also told him: ‘If you want to come to the academy, I’ll always be willing to help. For free’.”
After parting ways with Toni Nadal, Auger-Aliassime made an impressive start to the 2025 season, but has now lost three of his last four matches.