Tony Nadal: “Not having a great match, Rafael was not far behind his opponent”

Tony NadalThe former coach of Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal admitted this Wednesday that He “hoped” that his nephew would announce his retirement from the courts at the Roland Garros tournament in Paris. “He didn’t do it because it’s hard for him to leave what you’ve been doing for so many years,” he said.

Rafael Nadal was eliminated in the first round of the Paris Open. a tournament that the Mallorcan won fourteen times, under the leadership of the German Alexander Zverev.

“Another thing is that if in the next few months neither the physique nor the results accompany it, then the decision will be clear,” Tony Nadal said this after the presentation of the tournament of which he is director, ATP 250 in Mallorca, which will be held from June 22 to 29 on the natural grass courts of Santa Ponsa.

Coach who trained the winner of 22 Grand Slam titles At the press conference, he explained what he believed were the keys to Rafael’s defeat.

“He was not far from Zverev. He just won Rome and is number four in the world. Rafael had his chances, especially in the second set. He started to get a little nervous, probably because he was nervous and because he hadn’t played enough games. When he came into the game, the truth is that there wasn’t much difference. “If I had been a little more correct, even in the tiebreaker, the result could have been different,” he said.

“If there had been more luck in the draw, things could have been different,” he added. This happened to Rafael many times: he started games hesitantly, but ended up playing very well. In this case, he was unlucky to meet in the first round with probably the strongest player on the circuit. The game came out too early. “If he had arrived at Roland Garros in the normal way, having played in Monte Carlo, Barcelona, ​​Madrid and Rome, where he was better seen, I think he would have been the clear favourite.”

When asked if he was close to ending the career of his nephew Toni Nadal, he replied: “Like anyone who loves what they do, it’s hard to stop doing what you’ve done for so many years, what you’ve enjoyed doing and what you still enjoy doing. It’s complicated. I don’t talk to him much about this topic.”

“Another thing is that If neither physical data nor results accompany him in the coming months, then the decision will be obvious.”– he remarked.

“Against Zverev and without a great game, he was not much behind his opponent. Therefore, it can be logically assumed that if he manages to extend this competition month for a few more months, it is likely that he will be able to continue to compete,” he emphasized.

And I add: “I am often asked why Rafael does not resign. And why doesn’t (Mario) Vargas Llosa, or the artist, or the journalist do this? They don’t retire because they love what they do, like Rafael.”

On the possible participation of Rafael Nadal in the tournament Olympic Games 2024 in Paris, Toni claims it is “logical” that her former student would consider this option.

“This would mean that he would not make any changes to his preparation and would play where he has the best opportunity to succeed, which is on the dirt track. Then it will be clear whether he plays doubles or singles. Representing the country has always been an advantage for him. Therefore, it is logical that he means to prepare as best as possible for the Olympics. And if with a victory, then it would be incredible,” he noted.