Toni Nadal is the former coach and uncle of 19-time Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal
Spanish tennis coach Toni Nadal explained why the ‘Big Three’ of Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic were keen on winning the most Grand Slams.
The uncle and former coach of Rafael, Toni was of the opinion that the three wanted to win the most Grand Slams, as they wanted to leave something historic behind.
With 20 Grand Slam titles, Federer leads the pack, closely followed by Nadal at 19, and Djokovic, who has 17 to his name. Toni also admitted that now that the three were within each other’s grasp for the most number of titles, the race was more exciting than ever.
“Federer used to have so much advantage that there was no need to argue. But now the three are so close that everyone is more motivated. Because one of them will be the one that will go down in history with the most titles,” Toni said while speaking to Swiss media outlet Blick.
“The great athletes want that: Michael Jordan, Usain Bolt, Michael Phelps: they all wanted to leave something behind,” he explained.
Toni added that the Wimbledon Championships last year was the turning point in the fight between the ‘Big Three’. However, with Djokovic defeating Federer in the final last year, anything could be possible now.
“Everyone must be very strong now and not lose their will”
Meanwhile, Nadal had voiced earlier that the suspension of tennis due to the coronavirus lockdown was a handicap for the members of the ‘Big Three’.
Nadal’s uncle Toni, admitted that he had the same opinion regarding this as his nephew. According to the 59-year-old the ‘Big Three’, were clearly running out of time, with 39-year-old Federer being the one at most risk.
“I think so too. Roger, Rafael, and a little less Novak Djokovic are running out of time. Federer is 39 years old: every year he finds it more difficult to win a ‘Grand Slam’. Everyone must be very strong now and not lose their will. That is not easy,” Toni opined.
Toni also added that he had maintained a lot of contact with Rafael during the confinement and that they had planned to play golf again last weekend.
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- “He hardly leaves you room to hit” – Toni Nadal on who between Federer and Djokovic is Rafa’s toughest opponent
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