World No.1 Rafael Nadal has his work cut out if he wants to match his 2017 performance next year, according to his uncle and coach Toni Nadal.
The 10-time French Open champion has enjoyed a successful season that has seen him rise back to the top of the Emirates ranking for the first time since 2014. Nadal has won a total of six ATP titles this year, including two major trophies. Overall, he has featured in a total of 10 ATP Finals, winning 67 out of 78 matches played.
Nadal’s success occurred during a time when some of his biggest rivals struggled with injury. Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic and Stan Wawrinka are amongst a group of players that has had to end their season early due to physical problems. They are all set to return to the tour in January. Prompting uncle Toni to issue a warning to his nephew.
“This year has been it happens that Djokovic has not been at his best and Murray either,” he told Spanish newspaper ABC earlier this week.
“And (Stan) Wawrinka, (Kei) Nishikori and (Milos) Raonic have also had problems.
“Next year it will be difficult to win many titles, although I hope Rafael continues to prove he is the best on the clay and win again Monte Carlo, Barcelona and Roland Garros.”
Despite the stark warning, uncle Toni has tipped Nadal to eventually break Roger Federer’s all-time Grand Slam record. The Swiss player has won 19 major titles so far in his career. Three more than Nadal. On the other hand, the Spaniard does have the advantage of being five years younger than Federer.
“I trust that Rafa will endure enough to beat Federer’s record,” the 56-year-old said.
The upcoming new year will see Nadal without his uncle guiding him for the first time in his career. Instead Toni will focus on his work at at the academy of the world No.1 in Mallorca. Nadal will be mentored by Carlos Moya and Francisco Roig.
“At one point, I understood that my work with Rafa was not necessary and I thought that it would not create any problems if I moved away,” Toni explained about his departure from the coaching role.
Nadal will return to action later this month at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi. An Exhibition event that takes place between December 28th – 30th.
