World No. 1 Rafael Nadal’s uncle Toni Nadal has predicted a tough time for both his nephew and reigning Australian Open champion Roger Federer after the return of Serbia’s Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray of Britain.
Toni, who was Rafa’s coach until 2016 before handing over his nephew’s coaching duties to former Spanish No. 1 Carlos Moya also revealed the big reason behind his decision to stand down as the 31-year-old’s coach.
“One already has an age (57 years) and wants to work where it is necessary. At one point, I understood that my work with Rafa was not necessary enough and I thought that it would not create any problems if I moved away”, explained Toni who will be focusing on his new job of being the head coach of the Rafa Nadal Tennis Academy in Manacor, Mallorca.
Toni wasn’t willing to take the credit for his nephew’s stupendous success on the men’s circuit, instead chose to praise Rafa for his hard work, passion and dedication towards the sport.
“I have not taken him to the top. If anything, I have contributed in their formative years. Afterwards, Rafa has done all the work. I have only been lucky enough to work with a player who, in addition to being my nephew, has reached the zenith of world tennis, but I have come with him to bounce.”
Toni warned both Rafa and Federer as he felt that the duo will struggle to maintain their dominance on the ATP tour after the return of 12-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic and former World No. 1 Andy Murray.
“This year has been the circumstance that Djokovic has not been at his best and Murray either. And Wawrinka, Nishikori and Raonic have also had problems,” he recalled.
