Toni Nadal, the uncle and former mentor of tennis legend Rafael Nadal, recently disclosed that he never accepted payment for coaching his nephew. Throughout Rafael’s upbringing and until 2017, Toni played a pivotal role in shaping the iconic player who went on to achieve a remarkable 22 Grand Slam victories. In contrast to renowned coaches like Ivan Lendl and Brad Gilbert, Toni deliberately chose not to charge Rafael for his coaching services.
In an interview with Okdiario, the 64-year-old explained his decision, stating, “I didn’t want to charge for it. I believed this approach would facilitate open communication, allowing me to provide honest feedback.” He further expressed that charging fees might have hindered his ability to communicate candidly with Rafael.
Rafael has previously discussed the rigorous nature of his training sessions with his uncle. In his autobiography, he recounted how Toni pushed him harder than other players, using tough methods to encourage focus and determination. Despite the demanding training regime, Rafael acknowledged the positive impact it had on his career.
Toni defended his coaching style, emphasizing that toughness was a means to achieving high goals and stemmed from his deep respect and admiration for Rafael. The results of their collaboration speak for themselves, with Rafael’s impressive track record including numerous Grand Slam titles, Masters 1000 victories, Davis Cup wins, and Olympic gold medals for Spain.
After announcing his retirement at the end of last year, Rafael bid farewell to professional tennis with gratitude and fulfillment. Reflecting on his career, he expressed immense appreciation for the support and opportunities he had experienced throughout his time in the sport.