Toni Nadal, uncle and former coach of the Spanish legend Rafael Nadal, gave an interview to ATP by which he analyzed his nephew’s profession, addressing some points which might be crucial to the coach.
Rafa’s retirement marked an necessary second within the historical past of tennis, by which the third member of the Fab 4 after Roger Federer and Andy Murray determined to say sufficient. Solely Novak Djokovic stays to characterize what was the best and most spectacular period within the historical past of tennis.
Uncle Toni instructed the second he discovered from his nephew of his resolution to retire, underlining how the 22-time Grand Slam champion can retire together with his head held excessive.
“A few months ago Rafael told me that he was thinking about retiring. He wanted to do it in Malaga during the Davis Cup. Of course it was something more or less expected. We knew that the decision would come sooner or later. I found out a few months ago, because Rafael came to tell me,” he stated.
Rafael Nadal© ITF YouTube video
On the wonderful profession of one of many biggest tennis gamers in historical past, Toni stated that he does not just like the phrase proud very a lot. The coach stated that he feels very completely satisfied for the whole lot that Rafa has achieved on the court docket and for the whole lot he has gained.
“Above all, the most important thing, which really pleases me as a relative, is to see how a boy who had the dream of becoming a great tennis player did everything possible without losing his way. He always kept his feet on the ground. Remaining competitive within the limits of fairness. This is definitely what pleased me the most. I liked to see how much people appreciated him,” defined Toni.
“Of course he can leave with his head held high. After everything he has achieved, having been there for so many years, he has earned immense respect from most people. He has left a good image in all the tournaments he has participated in. I think it is clear that he can leave with his head held high,” he added.
Rafael Nadal© @usopen X account
The Spanish legend’s coach stated how naturally he noticed his nephew endure. Nevertheless, specifying how he had develop into accustomed to seeing him endure so many occasions throughout his tennis life. Many occasions he had unhealthy accidents, accidents that appeared destined to compromise him and even stop him from taking part in once more.
“Having become accustomed to this, it did not surprise me to see him suffer a little at the end. The truth is that, even seeing him suffer, I think Rafael cannot complain because life has treated him very well,” he stated.
After twenty years, a brand new chapter in Rafa Nadal’s life will start. Toni believes that his nephew will face his new life with absolute normality, highlighting how he has all the time recognized that each one sporting journeys have an finish. There are not any sports activities careers that final 100 years.
“In any case, I think that in the last few months he has gotten used to the idea. Of course, retirement is a difficult moment, but I don’t think it will be very difficult to focus on the rest of his life doing other things. I think he will probably dedicate himself to this with the same passion with which he faces any tennis match,” defined the coach.
Carlos Alcaraz© Tenis Espana/Instagram – Honest Use
Toni concluded by recalling one of the best moments spent together with his nephew, saying how he’ll clearly keep in mind the ultimate of the Wimbledon Championships 2008, the finals of the French Open, the Monte-Carlo tournaments. However above all he stated he’ll keep in mind the method that led Rafael to acquire these victories.
“I told him many times: If you don’t like the process, it will be difficult to like the result. I have always placed great value on the process that we followed. Since I stopped coaching Rafael, sometimes I think back to the victories of a long time ago, but also to the training sessions at Club Tenis Manacor, when Rafael was still a boy, to try to improve his forehand and backhand,” he defined.
Rafa closed his legendary profession on the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga. He gained 14 titles on the French Open: a document that may hardly be equaled – and even overwhelmed – sooner or later. The Spaniard has additionally gained the US Open 4 occasions, the Australian Open and Wimbledon Championships twice, the gold medal in singles at Beijing 2008 and the gold medal in doubles at Rio 2016, finishing the Profession Golden Slam after the triumph at Flushing Meadows 2010, at 24 years previous. Rafa has curiously by no means gained the ATP Finals, the one main title lacking from his wonderful assortment.
