Rafael Nadal: Uncle Toni apologised for being ‘over dramatic’ about injury fears

Rafael Nadal says his former coach and uncle Toni Nadal has apologised for suggesting that he might only play for another “two or three” years.
World No 2 Nadal has played only three tournaments so far this year as his campaign has once again been disrupted by injury.
He last competed competitively at the Indian Wells Masters at the beginning of March, but was forced to pull out of his semi-final against Roger Federer due to a knee problem.
The 32-year-old will make yet another comeback at the Monte-Carlo Masters this week, but he has conceded that he is not sure in what shape he will be at the start of the clay-court swing.
However, while he was out injured Toni told El Pais during an interview that Nadal is “an injured person who plays tennis” and raised concerns about his long-term future in the game.
“Rafael wants to continue playing, despite his physical problems,” Toni said. “That is what will continue to be decisive. Until when, who knows? Maybe two or three more years. What I’m saying is that Rafael is not a tennis player, he’s an injured person who plays tennis.”
Nadal, though, revealed during his Monte-Carlo press conference that Toni said “sorry”.
“He apologised to me. He came to the court and felt sorry for that,” the Spaniard said. “Toni wanted to say it in a positive way because of course I had many issues and he said it has a lot of value what he is doing, for all the problem that he had.
“Toni has conferences for companies every week so when you talk a lot sometimes you make mistakes.
“And of course it was a mistake for him, and he came to me and he felt sorry for that because he was a little bit over dramatic. I’m number one or two in the world and it’s difficult to be where I am being an injured person.
“Of course I have more problems than almost the rest of my competitors but I’ve been able to manage it well.”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
More from Tennis365:
-
-
The Monte-Carlo Masters: Cool facts and figures about the clay event
-
WATCH: Andy Murray channels his inner Tiger Woods, gives hip resurfacing the thumbs up
-
Why is Roger Federer returning to clay, why did he stop, and what tournaments will he play?
-
Should David Ferrer’s sublime Miami showing prompt retirement rethink?
-
Can anyone knock Rafael Nadal off his clay-court perch this year?
-
Latest
-
News
On This Day in 2016: Maria Sharapova reveals positive drugs test
The five-time Grand Slam winner would ultimately be banned from tennis for 15 months.
-
News
Francisco Cerundolo eyeing remarkable family first ahead of Argentina Open final
Cerundolo is looking to emulate his younger brother Juan Manuel by winning his first ATP title.
-
WTA Tour
Classy Petra Kvitova in dominant form as she eases to Qatar Open title
Petra Kvitova stormed to her 28th career title and second at the Qatar Open win with a 6-2, 6-1 rout of Garbine Muguruza in Doha.
-
ATP Tour
WATCH: Roger Federer practices in Doha as he learns his fate in the draw
Roger Federer could face a clash against Britain’s Dan Evans in the first match of his comeback event in Doha.
-
ATP Tour
Andrey Rublev’s stunning run of form continues as beats Stefanos Tsitsipas
Andrey Rublev stirmed into his fourth straight ATP 500 final with a 6-3, 7-6(2) victory against Stefanos Tsitsipas in Rotterdam.
-
ATP Tour
Roger Federer sends fans crazy with a social media post ahead of his return to action
The moment Roger Federer fans have waited almost a years to see is nearly here as he prepares to return to action next week.
-
WTA Tour
Garbine Muguruza into the final in Qatar after Victoria Azarenka pulls out
Victoria Azarenka withdrew ahead of the Qatar Total Open semi-finals to send Garbine Muguruza.
-
ATP Tour
Stefanos Tsitsipas sets up showdown with Andrey Rublev in Rotterdam
Stefanos Tsitsipas is into the semi-finals of the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam.
-
News
Lawn Tennis Association determined to show commitment to inclusion and diversity
Seven people from diverse backgrounds have been appointed to the LTA Council.
-
Tennis News
Andy Murray’s tips on how to make sure you stay injury-free when tennis resumes after lockdown
Andy Murray is back with some tips.