As Rafael Nadal struggled in 2015, there were calls for the 14-time major champion to replace his uncle Toni as his coach. Rafa deflected the questions consistently and now Toni has chimed in with his response. He implies that it could be a long time before he and his nephew go their separate ways professionally.
Coach Forever?
Toni Nadal spoke recently with ESPN about his current situation with his nephew as well as looking forward to the 2016 season. In a separate interview, Rafa was asked whether or not Toni would be his coach forever. Rafa would not give any clear answer, deflecting by saying “it depends on how much time Toni will want, and second till when we both will be happy to stay together. I don't agree on the option to change when things start to go bad after so many years when you'd been successful.”
A couple of days later, Toni made his desires very clear. When asked whether or not he will be Rafa’s coach forever, he said “It’s my intention but I will understand if a change is needed.”
If Rafa sticks to his position that he will keep Toni as long as Toni wants to stay, he very well could be working with his uncle for the remainder of his career.
The Nadals have been a hugely successful combination. Toni has coached Rafa since the nine-time French Open champion started playing tennis. Toni built Rafa into the star that he is today, guiding Rafa to 14 Grand Slam titles, the number one ranking and a ton of tennis records. However, Toni has often been criticized for his attitude and for the environment he has created for his nephew. He is notoriously critical of his nephew and has been accused of being the reason for Rafa’s mental struggles over the past two seasons.
Toni Predicts Big 2016
Toni Nadal did not hold back when saying what he thinks his nephew is capable of going into 2016. If Toni is right in his predictions, Rafa will be going into the U.S. Open with a shot at a Calendar Grand Slam.
“Next year he can win Australian Open, Wimbledon and Roland Garros. It’s all about confidence and self esteem"
The confidence and self-esteem seemed to be lacking for Rafa in 2015, but he looked to have found it again on the fall hard court swing. Nadal reached the final in Beijing and Basel, as well as winning his group at the ATP World Tour Finals.
Toni also weighed in on Rafa’s chances of breaking Roger Federer’s record for most Grand Slam singles titles, saying “Once 2016 starts I will think about that, but I"m aware that Rafael can improve and can play to a high level.”
If Toni is correct about Rafa winning three majors next year, he would tie Federer with 17 Grand Slam titles. Toni was also honest about his status as coach, realizing that it depends on Rafa’s continued success: “If I thought he couldn’t win any other Grand Slams, I shouldn’t be a coach.”
Nadal begins the new season in exhibition play at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi. The tournament opens on Thursday.