Felix Auger-Aliassime is coached by Rafael Nadal's uncle Toni and 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 featured also one funny moment when the 22-time Grand Slam champion almost hit his opponent on the other side of the court and jokes afterwards.
After using a body serve, the Spaniard almost hit Auger-Aliassime on the other side of the court 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 as they could sum it up as a success regardless. Ahead of the season finale, 36-years-old Spaniard said: "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," Nadal said, speaking to ATP Media.
"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," he added. "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."
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