Rafael Nadal's uncle wants his own star to lose at French Open as he snubs player boxes

Toni Nadal is in an awkward position for the French Open fourth round as his nephew Rafael Nadal takes on his new charge Felix Auger-Aliassime. The former coach of the world No 5 has opted not to sit with either player's camp and is instead front row on Court Philippe-Chatrier after admitting he wants his own star to lose to his nephew.

Nadal and Auger-Aliassime are facing off for the second time but the first since the Canadian started working with the fifth seed's uncle and former coach Toni. When the world No 9 booked his place in the fourth round to face Nadal, he admitted that his coach would be watching from a "neutral place" and would not be advising him on how to defeat his own nephew.

And Uncle Toni has now appeared front and centre on Court Philippe-Chatrier, opting not to sit in their player's box, and is instead in the front row of the presidential box, often reserved for celebrities, athletes and distinguished guests. While the 61-year-old has chosen not to pick a side on court, he has already let slip who he wants to win and snubbed his own protege.

The Spanish tennis coach is said to have run into retired French pro Mary Pierce earlier on Sunday and told her: "'I hope my nephew is gonna win today," according to Bastien Fachan.

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