Toni Nadal has paid tribute to his nephew Rafa for his dedication and efforts during their time together. The duo have won 16 Grand Slams, 30 Masters Series titles, two Olympic gold medals, and the Davis Cup on four occasions.
Our champ will continue on the ATP Tour with coaches Carlos Moya and Francisco Roig, while uncle Toni will take up work in his nephew’s academy.
Uncle Toni wrote in Spanish outlet El Pais:
The Masters Cup of this last week has been the finishing touch to my career as coach of my nephew Rafael. I conclude a happy period of 27 years that began the day when the son of my brother Sebastian entered my tennis court at only three years old. ‘Today I leave your side but my path does not end here. I will continue to be linked to tennis because my enthusiasm and love for this sport, fortunately, remain intact.
From the beginning of my nephew’s tennis career I tried to develop a strong and decisive character in him in order to face the difficulties of tennis in particular and of life in general, with which I have always considered that there is a common denominator.
Finally, and in a very special way, I must acknowledge and thank greatly, the person most responsible for my luck: my nephew Rafael.
The relationship with him has always been uncharacteristically easy within the world in which we move. Thanks to his education, respect and passion I have been able to unfold my way of understanding this profession.
Thanks to him I have lived experiences that have surpassed all my dreams as a coach. I have travelled by his side to incredible sites and I have met relevant and interesting people from many fields.
Today I feel greatly valued and loved because his figure has magnified mine much more than I deserve.
Source: metro.co.uk
We owe Uncle Toni so much for how he tutored Rafa not only to become the greatest tennis player its been privilege to see and enjoy. I’m so happy that Uncle Toni allowed Rafa’s vamos and come on’s to remain part of his game. He entertains us and inspires us and he has from the first time we saw him. Thank you so very much to both Uncle Toni and Rafa for all the joy and pleasure they have given us over the years. Go well Uncle Toni and know that both you an Rafa are unforgettable.
Toni is clearly the greatest coach of all time in terms of achievements with Rafa. 16 grandslams + 2 olympic gold medal, you will never find another coach. Furthermore, Toni turned Rafa into the bravest warrior in the history of tennis. His lessons from the early stage of career helped Rafa a lot.
Thank you Toni! But now it’s time to move on!
Yes. Toni Nadal could be rated as the Best coach ever! Great work! Rafa and Toni Complemented each other in their respective roles.
Gracias Uncle Toni,You are simply the best.There is only one Rafa.Vamos.
Great uncle Toni, and really great our Rafael Nadal, one of the best spanish sportmen, we are (all spaniards) very proud of him.
In fact, it’s impossible not love this lovely person who is Rafael Nadal.
We will love him eternally!
That is a very nice tribute by a great coach and uncle. Unique!
What a touching message from Uncle Toni to RAFA and for all of us.
I agree with Lorna. I similarly would like to thank Uncle Toni for introducing RAFA to the sporting world, especially to us, tennis fans who are blessed to watch and enjoy excellent athleticism, ideal professionalism and supreme sportsmanship from RAFA. Good luck to all your future undertakings, Uncle Toni. We shall miss you at the court side of Rafa’s game.
But I know that wherever you may be during those days, you will still be with us in cheering, rooting, feeling and praying for Rafa. Again, very big THANK YOU, UNCLE TONI.
Couldn’t put it any better, Nila. Well said.
Uncle Toni. I applaud you.Because of you , giving us Rafa, that my love for Tennis grew.
I wish you only the best on your reassignment.
May you produce more like Rafa (although there will never be another Rafa).
God bless you and your family.
Regards
Susheela Moonsamy
South Africa
A truly wonderful and moving tribute from uncle to nephew. Toni Nadal and Rafa formed the most successful player-coach partnership in tennis, measured not just by grand slams, but also by the longevity, mutual love and respect, appreciation and passion for the sport. I’ve been a Rafa fan since 2006 when I watched him play in the Wimbledon final and it’s been a privilege to see him grow in the game throughout the years. All credit to Toni who has guided Rafa so well.
It’s great that Toni will be carrying on his good work by coaching others at the academy. Thanks to him for giving us Rafa – a unique talent. I’m sure that under his tutorship we’ll see more talent emerge. Best of luck in the future Toni.
Great tribute from uncle & coach Toni! Toni and Rafa proved and got established to be a perfect combination. We the fans got great moments from Rafa’s on court performances and accomplishments for reflecting and cherishing throughout the remainder of our life-time. And thank you, Toni, for that! Thaking to Rafa could wait since much more is expected from him.
Dear Rafa and Uncle Toni,
What an amazing ,wonderful respectful team you have been.
I believe you have taught the world so much together, and showed younger players that it doesn’t need to be done any other way but respectfully to all concerned.
May you both shine, and may the academy show others how it is done.
Love and prayers,
AlaineXXSydneyXXAustraliaXX
Great words by uncle Toni vamosssssssssssssssss congratulations.🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾👍👍👍👍😘😍❤️🇺🇸❤️
I see a special love and respect
between you and your UncleToni.
Toni loved u so, I guess that works both
way’s. He’s heart is beating faster than yours in the box.
God bless you both.
hugs
VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : )
Muchas gracias for all your kind words about brilliant Rafa, his status and his bright success & thank you for all your extraordinary coaching years. VAMOS SWEETHEART FOR ALL YOUR BEAUTIFUL TENNIS AND FOR KEEPING YOUR UNCLE COACH FOR SO MANY STRONG AND FRUITFUL YEARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) 🙂 😉 🙂 THE TWO OF YOU MADE TENNIS HISTORY ALONG WITH YOUR OTHER SOILD & LOYAL TEAM FRIENDS……YOUR PHYSIO RAFAEL, ROIG, YOUR CREATIVE FITNESS MAN ETC….. AND WE CONGRATULATE YOU & THEM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) 🙂 🙂 KUDOS & VAMOS & GO RAFA GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) I REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR UNCLE’S RESPECT & GRATITUDE FOR YOU SWEETHEART BECAUSE YOU ARE THE ENGINE & THE ENERGY & THE PASSION & THE GENIUS BEHIND YOUR REMARKABLE DISTINGUISHED SUCCESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) 🙂 🙂 : ) : ) 😉 WE LOVE YOU DEAR RAFA NADAL & HOLD YOU HIGH IN OUR HEARTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) ; ) : ) 🙂 🙂 🙂 LOTS OF LOVE & HAPPINESS FOR MANY BLESSED TENNIS TIMES & PRECIOUS MOMENTS AHEAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) 🙂 🙂 LOTS OF LOVE & HAPPINESS & VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) 🙂 Have a beautiful week & enjoy everything!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) 🙂 🙂 🙂 Keep smiling sweetheart & know we all love you very much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) ; ) : ) XOXOXOXOX
Gracias, Uncle Toni for your dedication. Because of you and Rafael, we are tennis fans. There will always be criticisms and accolades, but the records and
trophies speak for themselves. You will be missed-however, the values you have
instilled will remain. Good luck in the future🙏❤️
fabulous heartfelt tribute from a wonderful uncle and coach…..only the best for both of you in the future!!!
Great words by Uncle Toni <3
Uncle Toni – you have so much to be proud of. Coaching a champion like Rafa – what a treat! As a fan – we will miss you, but know you are not far away. We will continue to cheer for our champion for many more years (hopefully) to come. Thank you for making him the player and person that he is!
Congratulations 😉