Home » Uncle Toni: “This is how Rafael Nadal gets through the tough times.”
Uncle Toni: “This is how Rafael Nadal gets through the tough times.”
Rafael Nadal had to forfeit his Wimbledon semifinal match against Nick Kyrgios due to an abdominal injury. The former world No. 1 miraculously beat Taylor Fritz in the quarters despite the fact that pain heavily affected him in the execution of his serve and backhand.
The Spanish phenom has left everyone speechless this early in the season, in which he won the Australian Open and Roland Garros. Coming off a 2021 that was anything but positive, the 36-year-old from Manacor routed the competition in Melbourne by pulling off an epic comeback against Daniil Medvedev in the final.
Even in Paris he had not arrived in the best condition, aided by a flare-up of the foot pain that had plagued him last year. The Iberian gained confidence by defeating Novak Djokovic in the quarters, then benefiting from Alexander Zverev’s withdrawal in the semifinals.
The last act against Casper Ruud soon turned into a solo performance by the 22-time Slam champion. Interviewed by ‘El Pais,’ Toni Nadal praised his nephew’s ability to not give up in the face of difficulties.
Uncle Toni’s reflection
“If Rafael Nadal did not have this attitude, he would have won half of the Slams” – Uncle Toni revealed without mincing words. “Of course, he will never put his health at risk, but his character allows him to cope even in the worst situations”-he added.
Toni highlighted how injuries have been a constant in Rafa’s career: “He has an extraordinary ability to endure pain. As far back as 2005 he had to metabolize the news that he might not be able to continue playing.
If we had given up at that time, Nadal would have retired and not won Roland Garros 2006. Even in the most difficult moments, my nephew never loses his self-confidence. He tends to take every opportunity available to him and never lets up.
Ultimately, his style of play is. always been based on finding solutions to change the inertia of a game that is going badly. He is not used to giving up in the face of difficulties.”
