Former world No 1 hails Toni Nadal as ‘coach of the century’ after Rafael Nadal tribute
A former world No 1 has described Rafael Nadal’s former mentor and uncle, Toni Nadal, as the “coach of the century” following his incredible impact on the 22-time Grand Slam winner’s career.
On the back of Rafael’s retirement in November 2024, Roland Garros waved goodbye to its favourite son in an emotional ceremony on Court Philippe-Chatrier on day one of the 2025 French Open.
The tennis great’s family and close friends, his coaching team, fellow legends Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray, and current stars Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek were all in attendance for the star-studded occasion.
Nadal paid tribute to the many people who had an impact on his career, but special praise was reserved for his former coach Toni, who started working with him from a young age and coached him until 2017.
During their time together, the Spaniard won 16 Grand Slams with 10 of those coming at Roland Garros, became world No 1 and dominated the sport.
“Toni, you are the reason why I am here,” Rafa said to his former coach. “Thank you for giving up a large part of your life to want to be with me. Training, talking, making me suffer, making me laugh, and also bringing me to my limits.
“What we have lived was not always easy, but without a doubt it was worth it. You have been, without a doubt, the best coach I could have ever had in my career and in my life.”
Seven-time Grand Slam winner Mats Wilander also took time out after the presentation to praise Toni and he believes the Spaniard is the “coach of the century”.
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Rafael also completed the Career Golden Slam (all four Grand Slams and Olympic gold), won 30 ATP Masters 1000 titles and spent more than 150 weeks at No 1 in the ATP Rankings while he was coached by Toni.
“Uncle Toni would most probably be the single most important person in Rafael Nadal’s tennis life, because he’s played with him since he was a little kid,” Swede Wilander told TNT Sport.
“Uncle Toni was able to take Rafa from a little kid to win the French Open and to win Wimbledon, and the other two, the US Open and Australian Open.
“That’s got to be coach of the century in Toni Nadal. The bond that they share has been unbelievable. Every time you saw Rafa play, you could feel that he was always listening to Toni, looking at Toni.
“Toni is obviously like a second father to him. To be that good a tennis coach as an uncle, and to be able to do what he did with Rafa Nadal’s tennis, is absolutely incredible.
“We have to remember Rafael Nadal is right-handed. Somehow, he ended up playing with his left hand.
“I think Uncle Toni had a lot to do with that. It’s just amazing that you can teach somebody so many things.
“In the end, I have to say: the passion. You always had the feeling that Rafa Nadal will not be a happy person unless he gives absolutely 100% in every practice, in every match, on every point. That’s what separates him from everybody else, in my eyes.”
