Rafael Nadal's uncle Toni on how nephew strived to improve himself: "It is what Rafa was forced to do more or less from a very young age"

Rafael Nadal became so great at tennis with a combination of talent and a maniacal work ethic that is still present today.

Nadal leaves nothing to chance and he works as hard as any player in the history of the sport. John McEnroe famously said that nobody but Jimmy Connors tries harder on the court than Rafael Nadal and that ferocious competitive spirit is what pushed him to the heights he reached.

His uncle, Toni Nadal followed him for much of his career and worked with him during the majority of him. He spoke about his nephew in a recent interview saying:

"In the end, surpassing others is not always feasible, surpassing yourself is the great challenge, it is what Rafa was forced to do more or less from a very young age, he understood it, and in life the fundamental thing is to improve above others in everything.

Toni further said:

"We would have to ask ourselves if we are becoming a little weaker. I am sorry for those who have problems and we must try to make an effort as much as possible so that they are well, but we also have to get used to the fact that things are not necessarily go well."