WATCH: "Almost one less rival" - Nadal jokes after nearly hitting Auger-Aliassime
ATP
Rafael Nadal joked after almost hitting Felix Auger-Aliassime ahead of the 2022 ATP Finals. The Spaniard said he almost had "one less rival."
Auger-Aliassime is coached by Nadal's uncle, Toni, so it's not a surprise that they practiced together at the last ATP event of the year in Turin. The Canadian and his much older colleague from the ATP Tour were drawn into the same group at the 2022 ATP Finals, but that didn't prevent them from practicing together on Friday.
Their practice session also featured one funny moment when the 22-time Grand Slam champion almost hit his opponent on the other side of the court and joked afterward.
After using a body serve, the Spaniard almost hit Auger-Aliassime as the youngster only nearly dodged his ball. Soon after that, Nadal joked about the moment, saying: "Almost one less rival."
Both players will be looking to finish their season strong. However, both could sum it up as a success regardless. Nadal won two Grand Slam titles, while Auger-Aliassime had a great end of the season.
Nadal spoke to ATP Media ahead of his first match, and he admitted that his focus was on preparing as well as he possibly could.
"I like to spend days on the Tour, first of all, and then, of course, the last couple of months, I was not able to spend a lot of time on the Tour."
"I'm happy to be here, happy to be playing the last tournament of the year, sharing with the other Top 7. I need practices, I need improvements, but I'm happy. I'm here to try my best and to try to achieve my goals."
"Of course, it's going to be a challenge, but I hope I will be ready to give myself a chance. That's what I am looking for, just practising as good as possible with the right attitude and just trying to be ready for the action that's going to start on Sunday."
