‘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
-
Tennis NewsCorentin Moutet hits out at Stefanos Tsitsipas’ ‘disrespectful and stupid’ father at Ultimate Tennis Showdown
Verbals between Corentin Moutet and Stefanos Tsitsipas.
-
French OpenRoland Garros tournament director insists French Open won’t repeat Adria Tour mistakes
Roland Garros Tournament Director Guy Forget has…
-
US OpenDominic Thiem hopeful US Open will go ahead, but warns ‘safety comes first of course’
Dominic Thiem is eager to play in the US Open.
-
WTA Tour‘I hope we can travel quietly and without fear soon,’ says Simona Halep as she reveals possible return date
Simona Halep could be back in action soon.
-
Kevin PalmerEXCLUSIVE: Annabel Croft insists Novak Djokovic should not take all the blame for Adria Tour nightmare
Annabel Croft has insisted Novak Djokovic should not carry all the blame for the disastrous Adria Tour
-
ATP TourRoger Federer’s coach gives positive update about 20-time Grand Slam winner’s rehabilitation
A Roger Federer fitness update.
-
French Open‘We’re expecting most of the players to come to our event,’ says French Open tournament director
Remains to be seen who will play at French Open.
-
ATP TourFrances Tiafoe withdraws from exhibition tournament in Atlanta after testing positive for coronavirus
Frances Tiafoe under quarantine after positive test.
-
T365 RecallT365 Recall: Trailblazer Arthur Ashe becomes Wimbledon’s first black men’s champion
Ashe beat Jimmy Connors in the SW19 final.
-
Australian Open2021 Australian Open still going ahead as planned in January, insists tournament director
‘Nothing has changed,’ says Craig Tiley.