“Can’t afford to buy one,” Toni and Rafael Nadal remain the internet’s favorite coach-player duo years after ending their partnership

Rafael Nadal and Toni Nadal's relationship still remains loved by fans as they prepare for Toni's 63rd birthday.

“Can’t afford to buy one,” Toni and Rafael Nadal remain the internet’s favorite coach-player duo years after ending their partnership

Rafael Nadal and Toni Nadal (Via Imago)

The legendary Toni Nadal will turn 63 in a few days, as his historic past as his nephew Rafael Nadal’s coach continues to remain the internet’s favorite. 

In 1990, Toni started working with his nephew. Starting from scratch, the Spaniard taught his nephew all the values of life while focusing on tennis as well. When one talks about Rafael Nadal’s behavior on the court, it is a result of the years of work put in by him and his uncle. 

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Fans have always loved the duo and try to resurface any of their past interviews and the kind words they had for each other. Highlighting one of such interviews, the fans pulled out an interesting message where Toni Nadal hinted at the reason behind his nephew’s discipline on the court.

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As part of the Big Three, Nadal has never broken a racquet out of frustration. Where other players throw away their racquets or break them out of frustration, the Spaniard has never once done that. The reason was the tight training from his uncle, who had warned him to never disrespect his racquet. 

Rafa has never broken a racket in his life. I once told him, 'You throw one racket and I’m no longer your coach'. There are millions of kids in the world who can't afford to buy one.
Said Toni Nadal via La Razon.

Rafael Nadal withdraws from the Qatar Open, as he targets Indian Wells as his return tournament

Rafael Nadal, the tennis star, has made headlines in the tennis world as fans await his second attempt at a comeback. 

Rafael Nadal and Toni Nadal
Rafael Nadal and Toni Nadal (Via Imago)

Having been coached by his uncle since he started tennis, the 37-year-old has been taught the values of life along with the usual tennis.

His uncle, Toni Nadal, has always cherished his nephew, which is also one of the major reasons why Nadal chose to master left-handed tennis. Till 2017, they worked together, winning multiple Grand Slams and titles together. 

However, they have separated, but they still respect each other personally. Now, Toni is the coach of Felix Auger-Aliassime, and his nephew is busy with a whole other team. While Auger-Aliassime is trying to get some good runs in 2024, Rafael Nadal is preparing for another return after his last attempt was rather short-lived.  

Recently, the Spaniard pulled out of the Qatar Open, stating he was unfit to play, and has assured to return for the Indian Wells. The 22-time Grand Slam champion looks to get back on the court as fans eagerly await this moment.

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