Felix Auger-Aliassime's coach predicts Nadal to win French Open, names Djokovic as US Open favorite and expects his ward to triumph at Wimbledon
Felix Auger-Aliassime's coach Frederic Fontang has predicted Rafael Nadal will win the 2023 French Open. He has also named his favorites for the Wimbledon Championships and US Open.
Fontang, a former French professional tennis player, has been coaching Auger-Aliassime since he was 17 years old. He has helped the Canadian establish himself on the men's tour and rise in the rankings, reaching a career-high World No. 6 in November last year.
The 52-year-old's efforts with Auger-Aliassime were recognized last year when he was nominated for the 2022 Coach of the Year award, which was eventually won by Carlos Alcaraz's coach Juan Carlos Ferrero.
Asked to make predictions for the 2023 season, Fontang, in an interview with UBI tennis, stated that Rafael Nadal would win Roland Garros. He also named Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev as the favorites for the US Open.
"I think Rafa, although many say he could retire, won 2 Grand Slams last year and finished the season as No. 2 of the world. In my opinion Rafa remains the favorite for Roland Garros despite everything," he said.
"For tournaments on hard courts, Djokovic and Medvedev are the two favorites for me and therefore for the US Open, I would say that I would bet on them," he added.
Novak Djokovic has become World No.1 in 12th year 👏
Do you think Rafael Nadal will become World No.1 again to get close to Novak Djokovic? 🔥
#NovakDjokovic #RafaelNadal #RogerFederer #Tennis https://t.co/FLyZ1nXWjU
The Wimbledon Championships, however, is one tournament where he expects to see a first-time champion — his ward Auger-Aliassime.
"In my opinion, the discussion on Wimbledon is more open. Felix has already made the quarterfinals there, has a great serve and has all the weapons to do well. And therefore my prediction is Felix winner at Church Road."
Novak Djokovic predicted to overtake Rafael Nadal in Grand Slam race at French Open
Novak Djokovic began his 2023 season in strong fashion, winning the Australian Open to equal Rafael Nadal's record of 22 Grand Slam titles.
Tennis journalist Steve Flink expects the Serbian to overtake the Spaniard at the French Open, a tournament Nadal has dominated by winning an astonishing 14 titles.
Speaking on the Court-Side with Bellinson Tennis podcast, he said:
"I think Novak would have a very good shot. Obviously going in, Rafa has to be favorite on that court. But, Novak knows what he can do."
That said, Flink hoped to see them in the opposite halves of the draw in Paris as it could lead to them clashing in a blockbuster Major final. On this, he said:
"Maybe, they can end up on opposite halves with some good fortune because wouldn't it be outstanding to see them clash in the final again in the Roland Garros with both playing well? I mean they've had some wonderful matches at the Roland Garros over the years. My hope is we get to see them in the finals this year."
Novak Djokovic is still far behind Rafael Nadal in this record 😯
He must win matches for at least three more years at Australian Open to overtake Rafael Nadal 🔥
#NovakDjokovic #NovakDjokovic #RogerFederer #Tennis https://t.co/rK6mDi92z1