The news of the day, of the week and of the month, not only in tennis, but in sports worldwide, has been the official announcement of Rafael Nadal, confirming his professional retirement after disputing the Davis Cup finals in Malaga.
Reactions to the statement of the legendary Spanish tennis star have not been slow in coming. One of the most expected was that of Rafa's uncle, Toni Nadal, a fundamental part in the development of his career to become one of the best players in history, for many the best.
In direct statements to TVE, Toni Nadal gives his first impressions on Rafa's retirement: "It's a sad day. In the end we knew that sooner or later he had to announce it. It's sad because you stop doing what you've been doing for so long, and that has brought you so much happiness. It is sad but also a good day".
"What makes him special is that he has won 22 Grand Slams, he has been very successful in what he has dedicated himself to and because he has been able to combine victory with good behavior," adds Toni about his nephew Rafa's qualities that have made him a legend. "He has been able to transmit values on and off the court, a way of doing things that has helped him to give a good image of himself beyond the sport he has practiced".
"I sent him a message and told him congratulations, you had a great career. He hasn't answered me yet, I guess he will be very entertained. Tomorrow I'll see him at his academy and we'll talk," Toni Nadal continued. "I was fortunate to have a player who was always willing to fight, to listen."
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
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