After the high-profile end of their collaboration, Rafael Nadal admits that he will never rule out the possibility of his former coach returning to the team.
The world No.1 officially ended his partnership with his uncle, Toni Nadal, last year. Toni has guided the Spaniard throughout almost all of his career and introduced him to the sport. In 2017 it was confirmed that the 57-year-old will step away from the tour to spend more time working at his nephew’s academy. Leaving Nadal in the guidance of Carlos Moya and Francisco Roig. Although that may not be the end of their story.
“If Rafael needed me, of course I would go,” Toni said earlier this week.
“I left because I understood that my contribution was small, I understood that I could do a more productive job for the academy.”
On Wednesday both men were present at the Barcelona Open. Nadal kicked-off his campaign with a 6-4, 6-4, win over Roberto Carballés Baena. A victory, he later described as ‘one of the worst matches he has recently played.’ Meanwhile, Toni attended a special ceremony in his honour afterwards. He was presented with a replica of the Barcelona Open trophy to recognise his contribution towards the growth of the tournament.
“I am what I am because he introduced me to this sport and because it has helped me all my life.” Nadal said during the tribute to his uncle. “Now it is true that he is not involved (in my team) day to day, but I do not consider him to be gone either.”
It appears that both of them are going their own ways. Nadal is currently on a six-match winning streak after claiming his 11th Monte Carlo Open title. He has now won a record 38 consecutive straight sets on the clay. A record he could improve further on Thursday when he takes on Guillermo García-López.
Despite Nadal’s recent success, he is refusing to close the door on his uncle once again becoming a prominent fixture in his team. Should he want to.
“He (Toni) knows that he is more than invited to be what he wants to be, he will always be, he can come to all the tournaments he wants, he will be one of the team.” Nadal stated. “I take things normally, first of all he is my uncle and can do whatever he wants at any time.”
This week, Nadal is bidding to win his 77th ATP title in Barcelona.
