Rafael Nadal’s poor form is nothing to worry about ahead of Roland Garros, says uncle Toni

People should not read too much into Rafael Nadal’s relatively poor performances in Monte-Carlo and Barcelona, says his uncle and former coach Toni Nadal.
Nadal’s aura of invincibility on clay has slipped a little of late after losing at the semi-final stage in both of those tournaments.
However, Uncle Toni does not see cause for concern.
“I think you should not be too worried,” Toni is quoted as saying on Tennis World. “After many years, you take it being calm.
“In Monte-Carlo he played pretty bad against Fabio Fognini, he had played in a normal way before. There he had a bad day.
RELATED: Rafael Nadal: My confidence is back despite recent clay struggles
“Then in Barcelona, when you are coming from a loss you are always a bit nervous. In his match loss, Thiem was a bit above him, he had to serve better, needed to be more prepared.”
Nadal is going for an unprecedented 12th French Open title this year, and Toni does not think any of Rafeal’s results from the last couple of weeks should alter the fact he will be considered the overwhelming favourite in Paris.
“I think the level will be good in the remaining clay tournaments,” he added.
“He has had a very good career. We cannot always ask him much more. I see him well, being calmer, but with the desire of winning in Madrid. And especially in the French Open.”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
More from Tennis365:
-
-
Madrid Open: Facts and figures about the ATP Masters & WTA Premier Mandatory event
-
Dominic Thiem starting to master the art of consistency against the Big Three
-
COMMENT: Next Gen Finals was outgoing ATP chief Chris Kermode’s finest achievement
-
-
Famous Five: Women tennis stars who have dated other sportsmen – with mixed success
-
Latest
-
French Open
Iga Swiatek relaxed as she returns to happy hunting ground
Iga Swiatek says she is prepared for the day her winning streak is broken.
-
Wimbledon
Wimbledon doubles down on Russian ban despite stripping of ranking points
Wimbledon organisers said they ‘made the only viable decision’.
-
News
Peng Shuai latest: IOC says she is ‘looking forward to visiting Europe’
Peng’s safety and freedom has been a concern since she appeared to allege in a social media post that she had been sexually assaulted.
-
Wimbledon
Novak Djokovic and Emma Raducanu facing huge rankings drop after Wimbledon decision
Djokovic is almost certain to lose his No.1 ranking.
-
Wimbledon
Comment – Why the removal Wimbledon’s ranking points could backfire on the ATP and WTA
Wimbledon has been stripped of its ATP ranking points following the decision to ban Russian and Belarusian players.
-
Wimbledon
Wimbledon didn’t want to ‘risk safety of players’ or ‘success being used as propaganda by Russian regime’
Wimbledon has hit back at the ATP and WTA with a statement of their own.
-
Wimbledon
WTA statement as women’s body also strips Wimbledon of ranking points over Russian player ban
WTA also has harsh words for Wimbledon after stripping grass-court major of ranking points.
-
ATP Tour
ATP statement: Wimbledon slammed for ‘undermining integrity of the ATP Ranking system’
ATP unimpressed by Wimbledon.
-
Wimbledon
Wimbledon thrown into chaos as ATP strips Slam of ranking points over Russian and Belarusian player ban
Big, big news as players won’t earn points for competing at Wimbledon.
-
French Open
Iga Swiatek made French Open favourite by former British No 1 Tim Henman
Tim Henman has been impressed by the progress in Iga Swiatek’s game.