Nadal’s uncle explains how he used Djokovic to coach Auger-Aliassime

Toni Nadal used Novak Djokovic as an example to coach Felix Auger-Aliassime (Image: Getty)Toni Nadal has explained how he turned Felix Auger-Aliassime into something of a winning machine by using Novak Djokovic and his nephew Rafael Nadal as an example. The Canadian won three titles in the space of three weeks last month after a disappointing early exit at the US Open and Toni has shared his method for helping Auger-Aliassime turn things around in the latter part of the season.Auger-Aliassime is playing the ATP Finals for the first time this week after qualifying during the recent Paris Masters after going on a 16-match winning streak that spanned titles in Florence, Antwerp and Basel before his run finally came to an end in the Paris semi-final. Despite losing his opening match in Turin to Casper Ruud, the 22-year-old is one of the most in-form players at the year-end championships and his new winning mindset appears to come as a result of his work with Toni Nadal.The uncle and former coach of the current world No 2 linked-up with Auger-Aliassime last year and has since watched the Canadian win four titles and make his top 10 debut, and Toni has now revealed the secret to the world No 6’s incredible end to the season as he shared a conversation the pair had about Djokovic and Nadal. ‘He has gained peace of mind and has more control of the ball,’ the 61-year-old told the ATP.’Before, he had very good shots, but his tennis was slightly out of control. He was capable of playing well, he hit great shots, but now it’s stabilised. Sunday, for example, he lost, but he didn’t play terribly. This is what all the world’s best players do. His level has increased.’JUST IN: Djokovic ‘aware’ of Federer record and vows to leave mark on ATP Final Toni Nadal stopped coaching his nephew Rafael Nadal at the end of 2017 (Image: Getty)Toni had given up coaching following his final season with Nadal in 2017 but returned to the tour to work with Auger-Aliassime last year and opened up on their relationship as he explained the difference in the 22-year-old since his second-round US Open loss to Jack Draper. ‘We have a good relationship,’ he continued.’I’m not with him all the time; I’m a consultant and I give my opinion. I like things to be clear cut and I’m used to saying things straight. He’s a very good person, very polite. In Barcelona, he played pretty badly and I spoke to him right afterwards and when he’d finished he thanked me.’In New York I told him that he can’t hope to be a Top 5 player with that backhand because it failed him too often, and that he had to improve it. Since then, he has had some very good months, beating Alcaraz, Djokovic, Rune.’DON’T MISSNovak Djokovic has three-year Australian Open ban revokedNovak Djokovic refuses to name himself ATP Finals ‘favourite’Tsitsipas mascot forced to run behind him as Djokovic left confused Felix Auger-Aliassime won three titles in three weeks last month (Image: Getty)