Rafael and Toni Nadal have been an amazing duo. They have won 69 tournaments (14 majors) together, and they have written fantastic pages in the history of tennis.
Uncle Toni has recently announced that he will not follow Rafa starting from 2018, and during an interview with the Spanish newspaper, El Español, he explained why
“When we traveled to Australia I had made the decision already. I have been thinking lately that it’s getting tougher and tougher. I told my wife the decision. Now I have the chance to be a coach in the Academy, something that makes me very happy. Rafael will be perfectly attended by Carlos Moyà.
When we left Melbourne, I didn’t say it to Rafael, but I say goodbye to everybody because I knew it was my last time. I said goodbye to the driver, the person who always has looked after us there, the tournament director.”
I have been thinking this thoroughly. It’s the right time to do it. I know how old I am, the years and years I have been traveling around the world and the tension and stress that competition produces.”
I will always be there for Rafa
Finally, uncle Toni added
“It has been a very long journey, loads of seasons. If instead of my nephew, I had coached somebody else, I would have stepped down much earlier.
Let’s imagine a scenario where Moyà is not available in 2018 for a few tournaments. And my nephew asks me to help him. I’ll do it for sure and I’ll enjoy it. My intention is to work at the academy and if they need me, I’ll be there.”
