Rafael Nadal, the former world no. 1 is set to make a comeback at Indian Wells Open after suffering a hip injury last year in January. Having to go under the knife left him out of the sport for almost one full year. He also missed out on the Australian leg of the ATP tour. Despite that, he is prepared to return to his normal self in time for the French Open.

Toni Nadal, Rafa’s uncle, creator, and ex-coach, known for his unabashed way of speaking, spoke about Nadal’s comeback and what it would mean for him ahead of the French Open.

Uncle Toni Nadal Is Positive About Rafael Nadal’s Recovery

In a recent interview with as.com, Toni Nadal was asked if the fast, hard courts at Indian Wells are going to help Rafa prepare for the comparatively slower clay courts in Paris. In response to this Uncle Toni admitted rather harshly, “that he (Rafa) needs to compete. He has no choice”.

He further added, “And of course, if you don’t compete, you can’t be prepared”.  Now that might seem a bit dejecting but in the same interview, he exuberated positivity regarding Nadal’s physical form. “I prefer to say that he is going to win. Then we’ll see,” said the Spanish coach.

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Toni Nadal is the Director of The Rafa Nadal Academy based in Mancor, his hometown. He has coached Rafa since the age of three and has been rock solid on his side even after exiting his team. He is currently engaged as a part-time coach with the Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime. But despite his flurry of new students, Rafa remains no. 1 for Uncle Toni.

Rafael Nadal’s Uncle Toni Makes Enticing Olympics Wish for Nephew Amid Strong Retirement Rumors

Toni Nadal Once Chose Rafael Nadal Over Felix Auger-Aliassime After Joining The Canadian’s Team

Even after joining Felix Auger-Aliassime’s team Toni Nadal always maintained that he would not sit in the Canadian’s box if he was playing against Rafa. Uncle Toni was tested when Nadal and Auger-Aliasseme faced each other at the French Open 2022. Toni maintained that he wanted Nadal to win because the French Open meant so much to him, a comment which raised a few eyebrows. Rafa went on to win the match and the title. As promised, Uncle Toni could be seen sitting in the stands throughout.

Uncle Toni Stepped down as Rafa’s coach in 2017 but the Spaniard is still going strong. He will be making a much-awaited comeback, joining Carlos Alcaraz the defending champion, and Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner, and Novak Djokovic, who will be playing at Indian Wells after 5 years. This year’s Indian Wells Open will prove to be one of the most exciting in the last couple of years!