(Watch) ‘Teary-Eyed’ Rafael Nadal Pays Emotional Tribute to Uncle Toni in Roland Garros Speech

Rafael Nadal shared heartfelt words about his uncle and longtime coach, Toni Nadal, during his tribute at Roland Garros. Uncle Toni played a key role in shaping Nadal’s tennis journey from the very beginning. He coached Rafael from the age of four until 2017. Their bond extended beyond tennis, rooted deeply in family and mutual respect.

Toni helped build the foundation of Nadal’s game. Though he wasn’t known for power or flashy shots as a player himself, he focused on developing Rafa’s all-around skills. He emphasized mental strength, physical conditioning, and turning the forehand into a powerful weapon. Under his guidance, Nadal became a complete and aggressive player. He said in his Roland Garros ceremony:

It hasn’t always been easy, but without a doubt it was worth it. You have been, without a doubt, the best coach I could have ever had in my career and in my life.

At age 12, Nadal began training at a center in Palma, 50 kilometers from his hometown of Manacor. He traveled there several times a week with his uncle to compete against top players from the Balearic Islands.

During this time, he also worked with coach Toni Colom, who accompanied him to junior tournaments, especially between 1999 and 2003. In 2005, Nadal formed his own team, though his core group remained close-knit.

Rafa Nadal had beautiful words for his Uncle Toni during his tribute ceremony at Roland Garros:

"It hasn't always been easy, but without a doubt it was worth it. You have been, without a doubt, the best coach I could have ever had in my career and in my life.” 🥹 pic.twitter.com/qEz7Gh8pRH

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) May 25, 2025

From 2006 to 2017, Nadal worked with a small but trusted group. This included Toni, his fitness coach Joan Forcades, and doctor Angel Ruiz Cotorro. Forcades was responsible for Nadal’s physical development, while Dr. Cotorro played a crucial role in managing injuries.

Toni later admitted to being a tough coach, sometimes pushing too hard, but his methods helped lead them to 16 Grand Slam titles together, making theirs one of the most successful partnerships in tennis history.

Rafael Nadal reunites with the Big 4 members at Roland Garros

Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal stood surrounded by the other members of the Big Four—Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray. His emotions shifted quickly from smiles to tears. After spending much of the previous year avoiding questions about retirement, he officially stepped away in November at the Davis Cup. Choosing to delay his Roland Garros farewell until 2025 turned out to be the right decision.

Nadal’s goodbye unfolded between the day and night sessions on Court Philippe Chatrier. The French crowd gave him a warm and heartfelt sendoff. In addition to tributes from his famous peers, Nadal was reunited with staff who had been part of his journey at Roland Garros. Seeing familiar faces, including his longtime driver, brought him to tears.

This farewell was among the most emotional moments in recent tennis history. Nadal had not shown this kind of vulnerability since Federer’s farewell in London three years earlier. It was a stark contrast to the more reserved ceremony in Malaga after his last match, which many felt lacked the depth his career deserved.

That earlier event had drawn criticism from those close to him. His uncle Toni and coach Carlos Moya believed it didn’t reflect the legacy of a player considered the second-most successful male tennis star ever. In Paris, however, Nadal finally received the tribute that matched the scale of his achievements.

Rafael Nadal mentions his wife during the Roland Garros ceremony

During his emotional farewell at Roland Garros, Rafael Nadal spoke about many important people in his life. Among them was his wife, María Francisca “Mery” Perelló Pascual. Though he mentioned her only briefly, the emotion in his voice made it clear how much she means to him. Her support has been a quiet but constant presence throughout his career. “Mery, you are my best friend,” said Nadal in his tribute ceremony.

Nadal and Mery met through his younger sister, Maria Isabel. They began dating in 2005 when Nadal was 19 and Mery was 17. Although they kept their relationship private for years, it became public in 2007. The couple got engaged in early 2019 and were married later that year in a private ceremony at La Fortaleza in Majorca.

Rafa Nadal to his wife during his Roland Garros tribute:

“Mery, you are my best friend.”

🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹 pic.twitter.com/IJHR7Lr2Vw

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) May 25, 2025

On October 8, 2022, the couple welcomed their first child, a son named Rafael. Nadal had spoken in the past about delaying fatherhood due to his demanding tennis schedule. He often reflected on how difficult it was to plan family life while actively competing, but he always expressed his desire to be a father someday.

Mery originally worked in sports marketing in London. As Nadal’s career grew, she chose to step away from that path to support his ventures. Today, she plays a vital role off the court as the director of the Rafa Nadal Foundation, continuing to contribute to the legacy they are building together.

Also Read: (In Images) Rafael Nadal Sobs Like a Kid Seeing His Footprints Forever Etched on Court Philippe Chatrier