PARIS | Félix Auger-Aliassime and Leylah Fernandez will both be entitled to Roland-Garros central Philippe-Chatrier for their round of 16 match on Sunday.
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In the case of Félix, ninth favorite at the Porte d’Auteuil, it’s not a surprise. The Quebecer will measure himself around 9 a.m., Quebec time, against the Spaniard Rafal Nadal (5), 13 times titled on the ocher of Paris.
This meeting will take place without the presence in his “box” of his adviser Toni Nadal, the uncle of “Rafa”, who will be seated somewhere in the stands, but in neutral territory.
Uncle Nadal was indeed on court 12 this morning for Félix’s training session. But he assured the media on site that he did not give his new protege any specific advice on how to beat his nephew. He trained him as usual.
“It was the agreement from the start of our collaboration,” said Toni Nadal.
Leyla the first
However, it is Leylah (17) who will open the ball on Philippe-Chatrier for her duel against another young player, the American Amanda Anisimova. The latter is ranked 27th favorite in Paris.
Their match will begin around 6 a.m. Quebec time.