“He Constantly Talked to Rafa”: Fabio Fognini Accuses Toni Nadal of Coaching Rafael Nadal During Matches
Follow Us
Fabio Fognini recently released his autobiography, many excerpts of which give major insights into the tennis world, including those of some of the top players. He reserved high praise for Rafael Nadal and admired the Spaniard’s dedication, but also had some choice words for uncle Toni.
Rafael and Toni Nadal won 16 Grand Slam titles together before the now 19-time Grand Slam winner hired Carlos Moya as his coach. In his book, Fognini has revealed some of Toni Nadal’s habits that used to irk him.
“My life between the lines” pic.twitter.com/YzaMmeIg4J
— enrico maria riva (@enricomariariva) September 16, 2020
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Fabio Fognini’s sarcastic take on Toni Nadal’s in-match coaching
Fognini says that Toni constantly coached Rafael Nadal during matches from the players’ box. In tennis, coaches are not supposed to advise the players. Match officials usually warn players and coaches when it does happen. According to Fognini, the same did not apply to Rafa and his then coach Toni.
“Not many know that Toni Nadal was really active during the matches. From his box, he constantly talked to Rafa, gave him tips, supported him. That is coaching. Everybody knows, umpires included, but nobody acts because it’s part of the game, as the lines and the net,” Fognini writes in ‘Warning: My life among the lines’.
Trending
‘Do You See How Big This Area Is?’ – Intimidating Serena Williams Reveals Serious Moment With Husband Alexis Ohanian on Their First Meeting in Italy
May 02, 2024 08:39 PM EDT
Coco Gauff Brushing Aside Madrid Open Heart-Break With ‘Sexy’ Dinner Date Impresses Boyfriend Jalen Sera and Danielle Collins
May 02, 2024 05:57 AM EDT
Despite Stressful Business Duties, Serena Williams’ Husband Alexis Ohanian Can’t Help but Think About Pampering Daughter Olympia
May 03, 2024 11:03 AM EDT
‘Coco Come Collect Your Coach’ – Fans Brutally Troll Brad Gilbert as He Naively Falls for Carlos Alcaraz Involved Misinformation
May 01, 2024 12:05 PM EDT
Madrid Open 2024: Felix Auger-Aliassime vs Jiri Lehecka; Preview, Head-to-Head, Prediction
May 03, 2024 06:35 AM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
Regardless, Toni played a massive part in making Rafael the player he is. In his own autobiography, Rafa had described how his uncle was a taskmaster initially. But he appreciates Toni’s contribution in grooming him as a tennis player.
Praise for Rafael Nadal
Fognini has also showered high praise on Rafael Nadal in his autobiography.
“Hard to describe how Rafa plays but if I had to use just one word I would say ‘Savage.’ A volcano energy explosion guided by discipline and method.”
“Nadal plays every point in training as they were Grand Slam championship points. Tennis for him is a very serious business,” he added.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“Tennis for Him Is a Very Serious Business”: Fabio Fognini Praises Rafael Nadal in His Book
He has also mentioned a funny incident that led to their first time playing together.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“I meet Nadal at the US Open, he is playing the simulator. I ask him if he wants to play with me. He thinks I want to train with him. That’s the first time we ever played,” he explained.
Fognini has four wins over Nadal to date. He is also one of the very few players to have beaten Nadal thrice on clay.