“I think Rafael is in a second or third level,” Toni Nadal admitted nephew Rafael Nadal wasn’t on par with Roger Federer

Toni Nadal stated that Rafael Nadal was not in the same bracket as Roger Federer back in 2009.


“I think Rafael is in a second or third level,” Toni Nadal admitted nephew Rafael Nadal wasn’t on par with Roger Federer

Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer

Rafael Nadal broke onto the big stage in the mid 2000s, and instantly made a name for himself. By 2009, the Spaniard was among the most feared tennis players around, and he already had 22 Masters titles to his name. Rafael Nadal’s major chunk of success came on the clay courts, where he was almost unplayable in the early part of his career.

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Rafael Nadal claimed the Indian Wells title in 2009, defeating Andy Murray in the finals. This victory came just a couple of months after his first ever Grand Slam title on hard courts. The Spaniard had claimed the 2009 Australian Open title, defeating Roger Federer in five sets in the final.

However, his former coach and uncle, Toni Nadal did not consider Rafael Nadal to be a part of the same bracket as the likes of Roger Federer and Rod Laver. Toni Nadal stated that he could make a better analysis when his nephew ends his career, and then compare him to some of the tennis greats.

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Toni Nadal gave an honest verdict on Rafael Nadal’s level in 2009

Toni Nadal
Toni Nadal

Toni Nadal stated that Rafael Nadal was a couple of levels behind some of the tennis greats back in 2009. “I think Rafael is in a second or third level if we talk about tennis players in history. In the foreground you would have three players, Roger Federer, Björn Borg and Rod Laver and then a group ahead of Rafa in which there would be Pete Sampras, John McEnroe, Jimmy Connors, Ivan Lendl. We will see when his career ends what he has achieved. For now, there is what there is and we are happy with it,” said Toni Nadal.

Toni Nadal also heaped praise on Rafael Nadal’s work ethic in the same interview. Although, Roger Federer was ranked as the world number one in 2009, yet Toni Nadal believed winning big tournaments was all that mattered. “I feel the same as when Rafael was number two. I’m satisfied with his work and beyond being number one, the important thing is the tournaments and his ability to win them. We’ll see how long it lasts, but for now we’re enjoying the moment,” he said.

Roger Federer ended his career with 20 Major titles, whereas, Rafael Nadal is still going strong with 22 Grand Slam titles to his name. It can be safely said that the Spaniard has made his name among the sports’ elite group of players. Despite suffering from several career-threatening injuries, Rafael Nadal has always managed to find a trick to win big tournaments.

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