The former long-time coach of Rafael Nadal believes the Spaniard needs to take an aggressive approach to his quarter-final showdown with Roger Federer at the French Open.
Toni Nadal has said it will be hard for the world No.2 to expose any vulnerabilities in Federer’s game. Who is playing in the Paris major for the first time since 2015. Speaking to reporters, Toni described the 20-time grand slam champion as ‘one of the best players in history.’ Although he believes one tactic will be key for the defending champion.
“Rafael must prevent Federer from attacking him all the time,” Toni told Spanish media.
“Federer, with the age he is, I understand, will try to force a quick game in which there is not much exchange of punches.
“If Rafael agrees to the contrary, although I recognise that it is not easy to find weaknesses to one of the best players in history.”
The clash of the two giants of tennis will be the 49th instalment of their famous rivalry, which Nadal currently leads 23-15. Both players have dropped only one set on route to the last eight of the tournament. Nadal lost a set against David Goffin in the third round and Federer did so against Stan Wawrinka in the last 16. Nevertheless, 11-time French Open champion Nadal heads into the match as the favourite. The Spaniard has only lost twice in the tournament since 2005.
“Rafael has always been superior to Federer on the clay, at Roland Garros he has not lost to him. With the background, I trust his victory.” Said Tony.
“Although it is also true that he trusted in the victory of Barcelona (against Liverpool) and we lost,” he joked afterwards.
After a rocky start to his clay-court season, the 33-year-old is rapidly gaining in momentum. Withdrawing from the Miami Masters in March due to a knee injury, Nadal didn’t win a title at three consecutive tournaments on the dirt. Although he did reach the semi-finals at all of them. However, the trophy drought ended in the Italian Open when he defeated Novak Djokovic in the final. Something his uncle describes as a turning point in his season.
“He played very good first rounds, I was at the game against David Goffin, which he lost a set, not because of confusion, I think, but because he subtracted a little bit. (Tuesday) he had a much more game Comfortable than expected because Kei Nishikori is a great player.” Toni commented about Nadal’s French Open run so far.
“My opinion is that Rafael has been playing at a very high level since the Tournament in Rome, in which he changed everything for him, and he continues to maintain that level.”
Thursday’s meeting will be the sixth time Nadal has played Federer at Roland Garros and first since 2011.
