'Uncle Toni quit because he was tired of traveling,' said Rafael Nadal

ATP
Tuesday, 30 March 2021 at 16:00
rafael nadal australian open 2021

Toni Nadal introduced his nephew Rafa to tennis at a young age, teaching him how to make his first tennis steps and always bring the most from himself.

Following every notable result, Toni would show the list of previous champions, explaining to Rafa that many are not in the game anymore, as they didn't work hard enough. Giving 120% in every match, Rafa embraced a pro career at 15, moving to the verge of the top-200 already by the end of 2003. In 2004, the young Spaniard toppled world no. 1 Roger Federer in Miami and claimed the first ATP title in Sopot in August.

Preparing his assault on the ATP throne, Nadal claimed the first Major trophy and four Masters 1000 crowns in 2005, becoming world no. 2 and Roger Federer's closest rival. The rest is pretty much history, with Rafa becoming one of the greatest players in history with 20 Major titles and 35 Masters 1000 crowns.

After winning almost every notable title together, Toni Nadal decided to quit coaching in 2017, winning the tenth Roland Garros crown alongside Rafa and returning home to Mallorca as the leading figure at Rafa Nadal Academy.

"I have been having the same team since I was 15 years old. Uncle Toni left because he was tired of traveling. I trust my coaching members a lot. When things go bad, it's just my fault; you can't find excuses," Rafael Nadal said.

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