World No.2 Rafael Nadal lost a Grand Slam final in straight sets on Sunday. The 32-year-old looked out of touch from the beginning of the match against World No.1 Novak Djkovic.
The Serbian Djokovic put in a dominant performance to demolish Rafael 6-3, 6-2, 6-3 and clinch the Australian Open title for a record seventh time.
Speaking to Nova Wake Up TV during his visit to promote the Sofia Open that takes place next month, Toni Nadal said he enjoyed very much being Rafa’s coach. The Spaniard has been coached his nephew for 27 years and admitted he never got paid for it.
“Until when I was a Rafa’s coach, I did not take money for it. Not because he did not want to pay me, but because for me it was a pleasure.” Toni said.
“I have a business with Windows, a family company and two restaurants. But not taking money, I could tell him all the time what I thought. Now I like tennis.” Toni added.
Toni on the other hand, he also revealed that his nephew had a lot of different habits in his life. And when he knew Rafael was going become a champion, he told Rafael’s Nadal father.
“Rafael is very calm in his life, he loves to go fishing, playing golf, staying home, spending time with his friends.” Toni said.
“When he switches to the court it’s completely different. When he was seven years old, I told his father that he would become Spain’s champion. I always knew.
“When Rafael was younger, I was very strict with him. When you know that things will not happen easily, you get prepared for life.
“He is healthy, there is no problem for him. I do not like his rituals before serving. He suddenly started doing many things. During the practice sessions, he does not do anything, only during matches. It is funny.” he added.
Toni, meanwhile, instead the perceived growing gap between Djokovic, Rafael, and Roger Federer is not that big during the 2019 Australian Open.
“I think the result of the final gave the feeling of a wider distance than, in fact, there is.” Toni said.
