Toni Nadal joining Team Felix Auger-Aliassime at Monte-Carlo Masters 2021 left the tennis world in shock. However, Novak Djokovic, who is always looking out for his fellow players, claimed he was not surprised.

Djokovic has a reputation for taking personal interests in the well-being of his fellow players. Moreover, he had even expressed a desire to coach the Canadian rising star in the past. The Serbian had said that Felix was a great guy, a very talented player, and had a fantastic work ethic.

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Novak Djokovic opens up on the Felix Auger-Aliassime and Toni Nadal link-up

In a press conference before the Monte-Carlo tournament, Novak Djokovic spoke about the Felix Auger-Aliassime and Toni Nadal link-up. He even provided insight into this new situation.

Djokovic said, “It honestly did not surprise me too much. I know Felix has spent quite a bit of time in the last couple years in Rafa’s academy training and getting an advice and mentorship from Toni.”

The Canadian conducted his entire 2021 pre-season at the Rafa Nadal Academy. After the training got over, Felix revealed how Toni gave him first-hand suggestions to improve his game.

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Now, Rafael Nadal‘s uncle and ex-coach is training Felix full time for the Monte-Carlo Masters. He will face Chilean Christian Garin in his opening round at the first clay-court Masters tournament of 2021.

Most significantly, the 20-year-old Canadian has a concerning 0-7 record in title matches. Therefore, it would be interesting to see what improvement Toni can make.

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What are Djokovic’s chances of winning the Monte-Carlo Masters 2021?

Djokovic has won the Monte-Carlo Masters title twice, in 2013 and 2015. There is no doubt that he would want to win it for the third time this year. However, the 56 player-field that Monte-Carlo has is not going to make things easy for anyone.

Additionally, the top seed has to endure a challenging route to make it to the finals as per the draw. But the 33-year-old Serbian hardly misses returning well above his expectations.

After all, the tournament has begun, and in the next two weeks, fans will learn who claims the title. Who is your favorite for the title this year?

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