Rafael Nadal: Uncle Toni opens up on nephew’s retirement after 2024 Davis Cup - ‘Always kept his feet on the ground’
Published 26/11/2024 at 10:38 GMT
Toni Nadal has paid tribute to his nephew Rafael Nadal following his retirement, saying he will be remembered for being humble. The 22-time Grand Slam champion has stepped away from playing the professional game at the age of 38, after losing to Botic van de Zandschulp in Spain’s Davis Cup defeat to the Netherlands last week. Rafa was coached by his uncle until 2017.
A look at some of Nadal's greatest moments as tennis great bows out
Video credit: TNT Sports
Toni Nadal says he takes more pleasure from Rafael Nadal being remembered for his humility than his nephew’s achievements on the tennis court.
The 38-year-old played his final professional match last week, losing to Botic van de Zandschulp in Spain’s Davis Cup defeat to the Netherlands in Malaga.
Nadal has retired as one of the game’s greatest ever players, having won 22 Grand Slam titles including a record 14 victories at the French Open.
Toni Nadal was Rafa’s mentor throughout his early career, coaching him until 2017 when the pair split, though Toni remained a presence in his nephew’s box on occasions and now runs his academy in Mallorca.
"I don’t like the word proud too much," Toni told the ATP website as he reflected on Rafael’s career.
"I feel very happy about everything that he’s achieved, obviously on court because of everything he won.
"But, above all, the most notable thing, which really pleases me as a relative, is seeing how a boy who had a dream of being a great tennis player did everything possible without losing his way.
"He always kept his feet on the ground. Staying competitive within the limits of correctness. That’s definitely what has pleased me the most. I’ve loved seeing how much people have appreciated that."
Toni says Rafa can be proud of his achievements and leaves the professional circuit "with his head held high", because of the way he has conducted himself throughout the past few decades on tour.
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Nadal struggled throughout his career with injuries, most notably with knee issues in the 2010s. But a hip issue, sustained at the Australian Open in 2023, was the beginning of the end for the Spaniard. He missed the rest of the season and struggled with a return to form before announcing his retirement in October.
"I saw him suffer. But I got so used to seeing him suffer so many times during his tennis life," said Toni.
"Many times he had bad injuries, injuries that looked like they were going to impair him and even prevent him from playing anymore. Because I got so used to that, I wasn’t surprised to see him suffer a bit at the end.
"The truth is that, even seeing him suffer, I think Rafael can’t complain because life has treated him very well."
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