Toni Nadal warns against discounting Rafael Nadal too soon

Toni Nadal has said critics were foolish to give his nephew Rafael "up for dead so soon" despite his injury struggles as continues his run at the French Open.

After the King of Clay edged a step closer to a record-extending 22nd Grand Slam title on Tuesday night at Roland-Garros, Toni has responded to the doubters who thought a foot injury had finished Nadal, by insisting that his nephew is a "fighter" and a winner.

"I know it's normal, people want to see a new figure, but you also say: don't give me [Rafa] up for dead so soon because I'm not a finished guy. We have seen it with football, Madrid had everything to do against PSG, Manchester City, and they won. The people who fight are usually always there, and Rafael is a fighter."

He further said:

"I limit myself to confirming a reality that I saw when people said that Rafael no longer has any chance of winning at Roland-Garros, but I think that when he goes out on the court if he is minimally fit, he is a rival to take into account."