Rafael Nadal’s uncle and former coach, Toni Nadal, said he expected the world No 2 to retire within the next three years.
During the pre-tournament press conference in Monte Carlo, Rafa revealed he received an apology from his uncle.
He apologised to me. He came to the court and felt sorry for that.
Toni wanted to say it in a positive way because of course I had many issues and he said it has a lot of value what he is doing for all the problem that he had.
But it’s not about an interview. Toni has conferences for companies every week so when you talk a lot sometimes you make mistakes.
And it’s normal, I make mistakes, everybody makes mistakes. And of course it was a mistake for him, and he came to me and he felt sorry for that because he was a little bit over dramatic.
Rafa understood where Toni was coming from as he admitted his own injury concerns.
I’m number one or two in the world and it’s difficult to be where I am being an injured person. Of course I have more problems than almost the rest of my competitors but I was able to manage it well.
Source: express.co.uk
Rafa is just a humble sportsman who never wants to make excuses for his shortcomings. He respects his opponents and it would be demeaning to other players who work so hard but made to believe they are playing an injured player. Injured or not, Rafa is just as lethal
Uncle Toni never lies. He said the truth. It hurts as a Rafa fan but it’s the truth. Rafa can’t stay healthy long enough to be year end world #1 anymore. He literally has to win all 4 slams and any other tournament he enters just to have a shot because he only plays like 8 tournaments a year now and Chokovic plays like 20. It’s not a fair fight. Rafa needs to just focus on slams now. Get healthy in between slams. If he plays more than 3 more years it will be like 5 tournaments a year. Uncle Toni was just being honest. Truth hurts sometimes.
Rafa’s retirement was not what the controversy was about and Toni only repeated what Rafa and Moya said a few years ago about Rafa playing for two or three more years. Yet Rafa is still here delighting his fans and doing what he loves; playing and winning. I recommend that you read the El Pais article.
RAFA ROCKS
No one ever gets younger, we are getting older. When he retired it will be his time. In the mean time I will keep on enjoying his work as a tennis player. Love that man
That is how I see it, too.
RAFA ROCKS
Mac Hall, totally agree. Clickbait. I fell for it in the past, but soon learned how the Express make a drama out of every little remark, and I no longer bother reading anything that carries their name.
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The Express isn’t a bad newspaper – and this is only on their website, not even in the actual print edition – but the press do like to sensationalise everything generally, like they did with the comments Rafa made about Nick Kyrgios. I think Toni does tend to open his mouth before engaging his brain, but we all do that – it’s just that most of us don’t then end up with our comments all over the international media.
Setinthepast, I stand by my comment.
In rebuttal:
That’s where most people go now for their news, websites.
Responsible news outlets do not sensationalize their articles or take things out of context.
I do agree that Rafa’s Uncle Toni has made comments in the past that left me scratching my head. Not this time.
The interview in question was conducted in Palma, Mallorca in Spanish and posted on April 1, 2019. Did you read it? I did.
RAFA ROCKS
Express online is trash… just clickbait headlines. I just ignore the links now.
I agree and I learned that here. I used to quote them until I realized what a crap outfit they were.
Rafa said, when much younger, he was happy when he didn’t know any English because he didn’t have to say anything.
He more readily will give an interview to the Spanish press going as far as giving interviews in Mallorqui or Catalan. On tour he has no choice except when he wins a tournament and then he includes the Spanish press.
No press are allowed in Mallorca unless they have business with Rafa or someone at the academy.
RAFA ROCKS
Mac Hall, totally agree. Clickbait. I fell for it in the past, but soon learned how the Express make a drama out of every little remark, and I no longer bother reading anything that carries their name.
Wish you a good start into the clay-court season today. Vsmos Rafa <3
I read the El Pais interview which is in Spanish. I never interpreted Toni’s words as Rafa should retire in 2 or 3 years.
Yes, Toni apologized. But his words were taken out of context. When I first saw the headline in English“Rafa is not a tennis player. He is an injured person who plays tennis” I was aghast.
Toni was actually praising Rafa because the rest of his sentence was “…and that is very difficult.”
The Express is yellow journalism. The paper sensationalizes everything. It’s a rag as we call it in the States. Takes things out of context.
Read the section where Toni discuses Rafa and it’s quite clear he is praising his nephew. And lest we forget, Rafa himself said he hopes to play at least for two or three more years; that was in 2016 I believe.
Verdict: Toni not guilty, as I see it.
RAFA ROCKS
Dear Margo,
Im literally forced to concur with you on this issue.
Uncle Toni’s comments were totally and irresponsibly taken out of context.
It was purely satirical and was meant to show Rafa’s greatness despite all his injuries. But I’m not surprised as only the deep can call to the deep.
But as always, we’d see……cheers
Please don’t force yourself unnecessarily too much; facts speak for themselves.
I’m sure Uncle Toni will appreciate your vote of support.
RAFA ROCKS
It seemed to be a shocking statement, but English is not his first language. The intent of out of context statements are rarely easily understood. No one is more aware of Rafael’s legacy and his
current status than his team. Uncle Toni’s statement was discouraging, but Rafael seemed to take it in his stride. His enthusiasm has not waned, so let us take it from there🥰always great to see you on court💕
I was shocked at what uncle Toni said about Rafa i mean in just was uncalled for. because Rafa Nadal is a tennis player and one of the best there has ever been. Rafa is probably the best clay cort player there will ever be. I can undestand people make mistakes but i can say he should think before he speaks.
I was shocked at what uncle Toni said about Rafa i mean in just was uncalled for. because Rafa Nadal is a tennis player and one of the best there has ever been. Rafa is probably the best clay cort player there will ever be. I can undestand people make mistakes but o can say he should think before he speaks.
All is good love you both
Enjoy what you are both doing that’s the main thing Love the tennis in Monty Carlo go Rafa🤠👍😓😓😎
Great because it wasn’t too smart from his uncle to say that