Rafael Nadal’s uncle and former coach opens up about the decision to stop coaching his nephew in 2017, revealing a regret over how the separation was announced
Toni Nadal has spoken candidly about one of the most significant decisions of his coaching career: ending his collaboration with his nephew Rafael Nadal in 2017.
In an interview with Radioestadio Noche on Onda Cero, the former coach discussed his regrets while owning the choices he made during years alongside the Spanish champion.
“I stopped coaching Rafael when I felt I couldn’t contribute more,” he explained.
Rafa’s uncle accompanied the Spaniard through a large part of his career, notably during 16 of his 22 Grand Slam titles, a partnership among the most iconic in tennis history.
‘I Might Have Been Wrong Once’
With hindsight, Toni Nadal mainly acknowledges a communication error in how he announced his gradual withdrawal from the tour.
“I made the mistake of saying in an interview that the following year I would be more in the academic environment than with Rafa without having discussed it with him. I thought it wouldn’t have an impact,” he confessed.
A statement he now considers awkward, especially toward his nephew.
“I might have been wrong once, but I had clear ideas,” he added.
‘I Could Not Have Coached Another Player Like I Did with Rafael’
Beyond this episode, Toni Nadal insists on the human and sporting dimension of their collaboration. According to him, the relationship with Rafael Nadal was based on constant demands.
“You cannot create a strong character only with beautiful words. I always wanted the best for Rafael. What he did has a lot of merit, especially due to his injuries.
Often we couldn’t finish training because of pain. But in any case, what Rafael did transcends sport. I could not have coached another player like I did with him,” he concludes.
