Rafael Nadal eased through the first three rounds at the French Open, but things could get more difficult now that we are into the second week.
They are certainly getting more interesting, as Nadal’s fourth-round matchup is a blockbuster. One, Felix Auger-Aliassime is one of the rising stars in the game and a potential future Grand Slam champion. Two, Auger-Aliassime is coached by Toni Nadal.
Toni probably won’t be around to see it–at least not in person–but Sunday’s showdown could be a good one. Both players have been in impressive form this fortnight. Nadal did not drop a set during the first week, ousting Jordan Thompson, Corentin Moutet, and Botic van de Zandschulp. Auger-Aliassime has also won nine sets in a row, although he actually lost his first two of the tournament to Juan Pablo Varillas. After overcoming Varillas in five, the world No. 9 defeated Camilo Ugo Carabelli and Filip Krajinovic in straights.
Auger-Aliassime’s reward is a second meeting with the 21-time major winner. They previously faced each other three years ago in Madrid, long before Toni started working with the Canadian. Nadal had no trouble giving his opponent a clay-court lesson, cruising 6-3, 6-3.
Can the 21-year-old make this one more competitive now that he has a lot more experience under his belt? It’s possible. Auger-Aliassime has become extremely consistent at slams, as his three most recent results are quarterfinals (2021 Wimbledon), semifinals (2021 U.S. Open), and quarterfinals (2021 Australian Open).
Of course, the bad news for the underdog is that Nadal is looking like his normal French Open self. The 13-time champ’s preparation was derailed by rib and foot problems, but those concerns have been put to rest–at least for now–by his first three matches. Nadal had no trouble improving to 108-3 lifetime on the terre battue of Paris.
Auger-Aliassime can throw a lot more at Nadal than Thompson, Moutet, and van de Zandschulp, so this could be the Spaniard’s first test of the fortnight. But it’s one he should pass without too much of a scare.
Pick: Nadal in 4
After today’s match, I feel more relaxed about Rafa level, his foot holding up, of course.
If Djoker played Felix and Rafa played Bedene I wonder how things would have played out.
Djokovic’s R4 match was against Schwartzman, not Bedene.
I think he would’ve handled FAA in 3 or 4, but I guess we’ll never know.
Well the very good thing about today is that in the final set Rafa did win the match. Felix didn’t choke and Rafa really had to dig deep under immense pressure.
Also he did serve it out which makes a nice change.
So Toni left the court for the final set? Maybe that’s what helped Rafa!?😀
Tony gets very nervous watching Rafa. He said he couldn’t watch the 5th set of the AO final against Medvedev, he was that nervous.
Rafa’s post match press conference
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Ml-Q5ltdjs
Everyone gets nervous when Rafa plays even his not so fans 🤪. Rafa is so formidable yet his fans still count him out!!
May be out of Love. Secretly we all want him to win!!
Oh my gosh I went on u tube and there r so many Novak fans on Rafa”s pressor thread saying how Novak is going to wipe Rafa out, lol. There were more Nole fans on the thread than Rafa fans and I’m like u guys must really be nervous if that’s the case!!
Monalisa, Nadline and all other Rafa fans. Be objective, pls. I always be objectiv, examople, RG 2020, it ws obvious Rafa is on anoher level than Novak in that time. Now, Rafa is not at his best, it s obvious, Novak plays fantastic right now and he is very eager to beat Nadal again at RG, esp.after AO case. I would be very surprised if Rafa takes a set on tuesday, I am afraid of Alcaraz, not Rafa right now.
Rafa won’t win a set on clay?
wow, that is a bold prediction.
So Novak is playing so well considering he hasn’t played anyone of note, and all of a sudden Rafa won’t win a set against him on clay at RG of all places!! And u say u “try” to be objective!! Plz, shut up!!
I’m not saying it will be walk over by any means but Rafa is certainly looking forward to playing Novak here and as long as he is I am willing to give him a chance!! Vamos!!
Mona,
This is a Novak fan who is going to denigrate Rafa’s chances and build up his guy. Novak and his fans are known for talking up his chances.
Alcaraz lives up to the hype. At this point, I can’t call it hyperbole anymore. Carlitos is the real deal.
I didn’t think Holger Rune would beat Stefanos Tsitsipas. I
Alcaraz hasnt the experience to beat either Rafa or Djoko in Slams.
Happy to be wrong about that
Hope you are right, Big Al.
Hope you are wrong, meant to say. Ready or not Alcarez is coming on.
Lindsey Davenport is horrible. She is cheering for Iga to lose because all she sees is the USA flag winning. Pegula is the most boring of all of them.
And here comes another fabulous 19 year old with bags of talent and attitude, step forward Holger Rune!
Did you watch Holger, Margot?