A unique player and coach team for 27 years. Can't think of another example of such a successful long term relationship in sport. I hope Rafa (or Rafael as Uncle Toni prefers) has several more years and couple great runs at majors left. Carlos Moya, a fellow Majorcan, former #1 and longtime friend, is a great choice to succeed Toni. I think it helped that Carlos got some coaching experience under his belt and did such an excellent job with Canadian Milos Raonic before coaching Rafa. I hope they have a couple major titles together.
1
I have been a tennis fan since Arther Ashe & Jimmy Connors (St. Louis girl) but I have been riveted since 2008 Wimbledon. [Also should mention Billie Jean King vs. Bobbie Riggs - really Riggs?] Rafa is a great player who has suffered the injuries that great players suffer. Toni has been a great coach. I hope this is a conflict-free split for their family but believe the great tennis will continue. Go RAFA!
5
It was Toni who decided that Rafael would play his forehand with one hand instead of two?
I think I would've been able to steer Rafa in the right direction there, too, because two-handed forehands are, you know, not a thing.
(I'm aware of Seles and Bartoli, no need to point them out)
I think I would've been able to steer Rafa in the right direction there, too, because two-handed forehands are, you know, not a thing.
(I'm aware of Seles and Bartoli, no need to point them out)
4
This is a great move whose time has come. I've thought for some time that Rafa needed to augment his approach from extreme physicality to 30+ strategy and body management. The elite players of this era are so close in talent and motivation that a subtle change can mean the difference between another major and an early exit. That we're even talking about the career moves of a man at 30 years old gearing up to win more majors speaks to uniqueness of this tennis era and the spectacular players still defining it.
4
"It is unique in this era for a coach to develop an elite men’s player from the very beginning to the very top, and all the more remarkable for them to remain a duo long after the summit has been scaled."
Not true at all, we can easily recall the Gustavo Kuerten/Larri Passos partnership since Kuerten's childhood and throughout his rise to no. 1, the only difference being that Passos was not related to his pupil.
Otherwise, nice story.
Not true at all, we can easily recall the Gustavo Kuerten/Larri Passos partnership since Kuerten's childhood and throughout his rise to no. 1, the only difference being that Passos was not related to his pupil.
Otherwise, nice story.
toni is jumping off the gravy train, now that the engine is running out of coal. time to find another host body, huh toni?
2
Tony does not get any compensation for coaching Rafa.
It feels a bit murky--even bitter- to read this account of Uncle Toni's 'retirement.'
We usually hear the reason "I want to spend more time with my family" as a cliche cover story for a rift or problem.
Did Toni create a comet that was doomed to burn out ? By making Rafa a leftie- did he undermine a powerful serve, full variety of strokes and- most of all- a capacity to think more tactically. Stamina & effort- fierce competitive focus - have been the bedrock of Nadal's success. Unfortunately, with many big & small injuries- that effort is easily undermined. Nadal has struggled with waves of doubt, loss of 100% physical confidence.
Did Toni promote misguided training strategies ? Did overdeveloped muscles contribute to knee & wrist problems ?
Is it really a triumph that Nadal is still competing at 30 after half a dozen disruptions in showing up for majors ?
Poor Rafa.
We usually hear the reason "I want to spend more time with my family" as a cliche cover story for a rift or problem.
Did Toni create a comet that was doomed to burn out ? By making Rafa a leftie- did he undermine a powerful serve, full variety of strokes and- most of all- a capacity to think more tactically. Stamina & effort- fierce competitive focus - have been the bedrock of Nadal's success. Unfortunately, with many big & small injuries- that effort is easily undermined. Nadal has struggled with waves of doubt, loss of 100% physical confidence.
Did Toni promote misguided training strategies ? Did overdeveloped muscles contribute to knee & wrist problems ?
Is it really a triumph that Nadal is still competing at 30 after half a dozen disruptions in showing up for majors ?
Poor Rafa.
3
You make it sound as if Rafa has had a terrible career, or at least an unfulfilled one. To the contrary: Toni didn't undermine him, or doom him to burning out. Rafa is indisputably one of the very best tennis players ever. He's probably the best clay-court player ever. But he's won just about everywhere else, too, on all surfaces. He's won all of the Grand Slam tournaments; only one man ever has won more than him. And he just made the final of the Australian Open at age 30. Poor Rafa?
9
Amazing Rafael! Have always loved to watch him play. Partner in the greatest contests in tennis (Fedal)!! Hope he wins the French AGAIN! RAFA!!! Vamos!
5
Wait, are you talking about a 14 time grand slam winner, undisputed all time best clay player Nadal or some other Nadal?
17