Rafael Nadal reveals a lesson he learnt from his Uncle Toni that ‘sticks’ with him since he was 12
Toni Nadal has been the greatest inspiration of Rafael Nadal throughout his career, despite parting ways with him on coaching terms in 2017.
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Toni Nadal and Rafael Nadal (via X)
Rafael Nadal recently shared a childhood memory involving his uncle and former coach, Toni Nadal. Toni, often referred to as “Uncle Toni,” played a key role in shaping Rafael’s career. He guided the younger Spaniard to 17 of his 22 Grand Slam titles, 36 Masters 1000 trophies, and the 2008 Olympic Gold Medal in Beijing.
Nadal worked with his uncle from the start of his career until 2017. Toni’s influence was crucial to Rafa’s development, both as a player and as a person. In a heartfelt letter to The Players’ Tribune, the 22-time Grand Slam champion reflected on an important lesson his uncle taught him when he was just 12 years old.
When I was young, I learned a lesson that still sticks in my mind. I am not sure exactly how old I was, but I think I was around 12. During that age, I loved to go fishing. I love the sea, because I am from Mallorca, and in my case the sea is part of my life. It’s about the feeling of being by the sea, sitting on the rocks with your family and friends, or out on a boat — the disconnection and peace you feel is something special. One day, I went out fishing when I could have been training.
Rafael Nadal said in the Player’s Tribune
The Players’ Tribune is a platform where athletes share personal stories and experiences. Rafael Nadal took the opportunity to look back on his early training days, recalling how his uncle’s tough lessons helped build his mindset and discipline.
The next day, I lost my match. I remember I was crying in the car on the way back home, and my uncle, who at that young age had a big influence on me, and who was the one who made me fall in love with tennis, he said: ‘It’s OK, it’s just a tennis match. Don’t cry now, there is no point. If you want to fish, you can fish. No problem. But you will lose. If you want to win? If you want to win, then you have to do what you have to do first.’ It was a very important lesson for me. If people see me as a perfectionist, then it comes from that inner voice that was calling to me on the car ride home. The voice has never left me. One day, I can be at the sea.
Rafael Nadal added
The Spanish legend officially retired a few weeks ago after Spain’s elimination from the Davis Cup Finals. His last professional match ended in a 6-4, 6-4 loss to Botic Van De Zandschulp. He retired as one of the greatest players in tennis history, holding the second-most Grand Slam titles.
Rafael Nadal reveals the greatest wins of his career
Rafael Nadal’s legendary tennis career came to an emotional end in 2024. The sport will feel different without him on the ATP Tour, but his influence will remain both on and off the court for years to come.
The Davis Cup in 2004, Roland-Garros in 2005, of course Wimbledon in 2008. But then there’s my first US Open, and when I closed the circle of the Grand Slam tournaments in Melbourne. And I don’t forget those tournaments like Madrid and Barcelona in my country, or Indian Wells in Miami, or Cincinnati where I won for the first time in 2013, or the beautiful Monte Carlo, or the special feeling of Rome, or Shanghai and Beijing with those amazing fans… Canada, Mexico, Chile, Brazil, my early days in Buenos Aires… so many.
Rafael Nadal said in the Player’s Tribune
Now that his competitive days are over, Nadal can take time to reflect on his incredible achievements. In a recent letter, he shared some of his most memorable and joyous moments throughout his career.
One of his standout memories was winning his first Wimbledon title in 2008. He defeated Roger Federer, who had won the tournament five times in a row. Nadal also recalled his first US Open victory in 2010, where he triumphed over Novak Djokovic in the final.
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Fahad Hamid
(646 Articles Published)