Toni Nadal on Roger Federer: "Greatest icon in tennis history"
Toni Nadal led his nephew Rafael to the top of the tennis world. And got to know and appreciate Roger Federer .
by tennisnet.com
last edit: Sep 20, 2022, 01:25 pm
Those were glorious times when most tennis professionals still trusted the instinct of the spectators - and did not demand the applause of the fans with clear gestures after better rallies. Because the aficionados on both sides of the Atlantic have a good sense of when it's time to celebrate. No further animation needed from the court.
It is also in this light that one could look at what Toni Nadal said to the newspaper El Pais a few days ago in the course of Roger Federer's announced resignation. "Federer was a role model," says Rafael Nadal's uncle, discoverer and ex-coach. "He was never rude or arrogant. He never gestured for fans to applaud him after a great point. He always celebrated his victories in an elegant and discreet way.”
Federer in a different league
Toni Nadal also makes this clear using a specific example. “I remember the ATP Finals in London 2011. He beat Rafa 6-3, 6-0 in just one hour. After the match, he bowed his head and only raised his eyes when he shook hands with his rival at the net and patted him on the back.”
Playfully, there is only one verdict for Uncle Toni anyway. "In his prime, Federer played in a different league. Before the matches I said to Rafa: There will be phases when you will feel extremely inferior. Just keep fighting and wait for the storm to pass.” In any case, Toni Nadal's verdict is clear: “Federer is the greatest icon in tennis history.”