Toni Nadal, uncle and former coach of Rafael Nadal, recently visited the Mallorca Country Club. Having an enjoyable session of golf with fellow Spaniard Feliciano Lopez, Toni spoke to the Spanish daily newspaper ’La Vanguardia’. The star coach spoke on a variety of topics, ranging from himself to his nephew, Rafael Nadal. 

Toni Nadal not only served as the coach of Rafael Nadal, but also as his mentor. He introduced Nadal to tennis at the age of 4. Having an association of close to 3 decades, Toni not only helped Nadal become a tennis player but also guided him to the success he enjoys today. The two separated in 2017, with Carlos Moya taking over the coaching spot in Nadal’s camp. Toni today serves as Tennis Director at the Rafael Nadal Tennis Academy. 

While talking to ‘La Vanguardia’, Toni Nadal gave his opinion on whether Rafael can ever be a part of something like Djokovic’s Deportation in Australia. 

Toni Nadal on his nephew swimming in similar terrain as Novak Djokovic

Toni Nadal answered a line on questions related to him and his association with Rafael Nadal, until he was asked whether Nadal can ever imagine himself in a smiliar situation as Djokovic’s did at the 2022 Australian Open. In addition to that, Toni was also asked if a ‘good environment’ is the basic necessity to win.

The ever graceful Uncle Toni took the question with utmost charm as began answering. Uncle Toni showed a bit of disbelief on the ‘good environment’ part as he took an example of Djokovic. The star coach said, “Well, allow me to question it: look at everything that Djokovic has won when his environment is what it is.”

However, on the other hand, he appreciated his family for having a normal environment from the very beginning. Elaborating on his statement, he took the example of Barcelona legend, Miquel Angel. “In any case, the Nadal family is normal and always has been, starting with the time when my brother Miquel Àngel He played for Barca.”

The star coach ended by saying, “We (Nadal family) have always fled from extravagance.”

Apart from this, Toni Nadal also answered questions like whether he ever thought that his nephew would reach where he is today and if he thinks Nadal is also a genius like Federer.

The 17-year-long journey of Rafael Nadal -Toni Nadal

Uncle Toni started training his nephew, Rafael Nadal when he was 4. Being a Spanish Prodigy, Nadal turned pro in 2001, at the age of 15. On 29 April 2002, at 15 years and 10 months, Nadal won his first ATP match, defeating Ramón Delgado. He became the ninth player in the Open Era to do so before the age of 16.

In 2003, he beat his current coach, Carlos Moya, at the age of 16. Nadal won a few titles in the years that followed. However, it was in 2005 that he reached his career’s first milestone, winning the 2005 Roland Garros. In 2008, he reached the next big milestone as he became the World No. 1 for the first time in his career.

Under Toni Nadal’s able guidance, Rafael Nadal won 14 Grand Slams and ended the year 3 times as the World No. 1, till the split of the iconic pair in early 2017. 

Also read- ‘He Deserves the Sanction’- Rafael Nadal’s Honest Reaction to Alexander Zverev’s Major Meltdown at ATP Acapulco

However, taking uncle’s leanings forward, Rafael Nadal, with 21, holds the record for most Grand Slam titles. The 35-year-old Nadal has been on the top spot for 209 weeks, having ended the year as World No.1 five times in his career.

Notably, as World No. 5, he currently playing the ATP 500 Acapulco Open. where he is eyeing his 4th title. 

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