Tony Nadal The former coach of the Spanish tennis player, Rafael Nadal, admitted this Wednesday that he “hopes” that his nephew will announce his retirement on the courts at the Parisian Roland Garros tournament. “He didn’t because it’s hard for him to leave something you’ve done for years,” he said.
Rafael Nadal He was eliminated in the first round of the Paris Open, a tournament the Mallorcan has won fourteen times, by the German. Alexander Zverev.
“Also, if in the coming months he is not with the physique or results, the decision will be clear,” said Toni Nadal after presenting the tournament of which he is the director, the ATP 250 of Mallorca, which will be held from June 22 to 29 at the natural grass court of Santa Ponça.
The coach who trained the winner of 22 Grand Slam titles explained in a press conference what in his opinion were the keys to Rafael’s defeat.
“He’s not that far from Zverev. He just won Rome and is number four in the world. Rafael had his opportunities, especially in the second set. He started a little nervous, maybe because of emotions and because he didn’t have a chance. ‘t played enough matches “When he entered the game, the truth is that there was no big difference. If he had been a little more accurate, even in the tie break, the result could have been different,” he stated.
“With more luck in the draw, it could have been different,” he added “It happened to Rafael many times, starting matches with doubts and ending up playing very well. round, probably, the best player in circuit The match came too early If he came to Roland Garros in the normal process of playing Monte Carlo, Madrid and Rome, where he was seen better, I think he would be a clear favorite.”
To questions about whether he sees his nephew Toni Nadal retiring soon, he replied: “He, like anyone who loves what he does, finds it difficult to stop doing something you’ve done for years , that you have liked doing and that you still like him. I don’t talk to him much about this topic.
“One more thing, if in the coming months he is not with the physique or results, the decision will be clear,” he remarked.
“Against Zverev and without a good match, he is not too far behind his rival. So, logically, he can think that if he can extend this month of competition for a few more months, he will probably get into a position to continue competing, ” he emphasized. .
And he added: “I’m often asked why Rafael doesn’t retire. And why not (Mario Vargas Llosa, or an artist, or a journalist? “They don’t retire because they love what they do, like Rafael.”
Regarding the possible participation of Rafael Nadal in Paris 2024 Olympic GamesToni affirms that it is “logical” that her former student is considered as an option.
“That means not making any changes in his preparation, playing where he has more options to do as well, which is on a dirt court. It gave a plus. So logically in he thought to prepare as much as possible for the Olympics and if it is successful, it will be incredible,” he said.
Source: La Verdad
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