Toni Nadal spells out Rafael Nadal’s future while drawing comparison with ‘fresher’ Novak Djokovic
Toni Nadal believes that the 14-time French Open champion will be fit to play and defend his title.
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Toni and Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic
Toni Nadal, Rafael Nadal’s uncle, has opened up about the future of the injury-hit Spaniard. The former coach of the 22-time Grand Slam champion believes he will continue as long as he remains fit. Toni also pointed out that Nadal still has the same will and hunger to carry on regardless of the pain.
The 36-year-old Nadal suffered yet another injury during the 2023 Australian Open. He bowed out of the tournament uncharacteristically after losing to American Mackenzie McDonald in the second round of the event. Since then, there has been a lot of speculation about the future of Rafael Nadal, especially his participation in the French Open.
After more than two decades together with Nadal and being the most important pillar in the success of 14-time French Open champion, Toni Nadal points out that “the moment is still good” for his nephew and he is convinced that “if he is fit, he will continue“. He further clarified that ‘Retirement’ as a word isn’t on the 22-time Major winner’s mind as of now.
After the diagnosis, it was revealed that Nadal will be forced to sit out for six to eight weeks but as far as Roland Garros is concerned, he will be fit to play and defend his title.
Toni Nadal believes a ‘fresher’ Novak Djokovic compared to Nadal becomes difficult to defeat
Novak Djokovic just won his record-extending 10th Australian Open title after defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final. The Serb also suffered a hamstring injury during the tournament but still managed to continue his dominating run. With his triumph Down Under, Djokovic leveled with Rafael Nadal in the Grand Slam tally.
Toni believes Djokovic is still ‘fresher’ compared to Nadal. This is what makes him invincible. “It is difficult because Djokovic is fresher than him”, Toni said still sounding hopeful for his nephew. “Rafa Nadal is still there, although we will see what happens when he recovers from the injury. He will have options at Roland Garros and after France, we’ll see. In the end, it’s a complicated fight against a great champion like it’s Djokovic”, Toni added.
Spelling out the long-term plans for Nadal, Toni believes Nadal will remain a great player in the history of the game regardless of what the future holds for him. “Knowing that his career, whatever he does, has been a great career. Now he has to make this last effort to continue, as he has been doing for a long time,” Uncle Toni continued.
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Abhinavendu Singh
(290 Articles Published)