‘Rafael Nadal has room to play for a few more years,’ says Toni Nadal
Rafael Nadal still has a “few more years” left in tennis, according to his former coach and uncle Toni Nadal.
The 2019 season has been another exceptional one for Nadal as he won two more Grand Slams to take his major tally to 19 while he also won two ATP Masters 1000 titles and finished the year as the world No 1.
His year, though, was also disrupted by injuries as he missed large chunks of the US hard-court season early in the year and was also forced to withdraw from several tournaments after the US Open due to an abdominal problem.
But the fact that he continues to play at such a high level at the age of 33 proves that he can continue for a few more years, according to Toni.
“I heard many experts predict that his career would be short, but the reality is that he has been on the circuit since 2003 and competing at the top level since 2005. He has been competing at an elite level for 15 years,” he told Spanish publication AS.com.
“I think he has room to play a few more years. It will depend his tennis and how others evolve. If there are young people who make it too difficult every week you could decide to step away. But I don’t think that will happen.”
COMMENT: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic looking more vulnerable than ever before
He was also asked whether or not Rafael will surpass Roger Federer’s record of 20 Grand Slams.
Although he is fairly confident about his nephew’s chances, he concedes that the next generation are edging closer.
“As things stand, he is favourite [to win another title] at Roland Garros,” he said. “In Australia, Wimbledon and the US Open he will also be among the favourites.
“You will have other options… like [Stefanos] Tsitsipas, [Daniil] Medvedev and [Alexander] Zverev are likely to take another step. I think there is going to be a change now because Tsitsipas and [Dominic] Thiem produced great results at the ATP Finals and things are starting to get closer.”
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter @T365Official.
Latest
-
NewsEmma Raducanu arrives back in the UK after winning the US Open
Raducanu was pictured outside her house after travelling back from New York.
-
Kevin PalmerIntroducing Wilson’s Blade v8 racket Emma Raducanu could use at the Australian Open
Emma Raducanu is set to be wielding a new-look weapon when he plays at the Australian Open in January.
-
Tennis NewsShock defeat for Andy Murray as he is beaten in Rennes
The Russian is ranked 42 places below Murray.
-
Tennis NewsJohn McEnroe speaks for the first time about comments over Emma Raducanu’s Wimbledon exit
John McEnroe has insisted he has no…
-
Tennis NewsStunning TV figures for US Open finals confirm appeal of Emma Raducanu
The TV viewing figures are in for this year’s US Open and they confirm that more tuned in to watch the women’s final than the men’s final.
-
Tennis NewsEmma Raducanu thinking about a return to the court after US Open heroics
Raducanu has admitted to still being on “cloud nine” after her stunning US Open victory.
-
Tennis NewsLiverpool manager Jurgen Klopp gives a glowing reference to Emma Raducanu
Jurgen Klopp has given newly crowned US Open champion Emma Raducanu a glowing endorsement.
-
NewsBoris Johnson talks with Emma Raducanu and discusses growth of grassroots tennis
Jurgen Klopp and Jessica Ennis-Hill joined in with the widespread praise of the teenager from Kent.
-
NewsJurgen Klopp inspired by ‘talent of the century’ Emma Raducanu’s US Open win
The Reds boss was glued to his television on Saturday night.
-
NewsA look at each area of Emma Raducanu’s game as she looks to build on US Open win
Raducanu’s return of serve is arguably her strongest asset.