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Rafa Nadal, Tennis News

‘I believed my contribution was no longer necessary’, says Toni Nadal


Toni Nadal has opened up on the reasons why he was replaced by Carlos Moya as the coach of Rafael Nadal at the beginning of 2017. 

Toni Nadal introduced Rafa to tennis at the age of three and experienced an extraordinary amount success alongside his nephew after he turned professional aged 15.

Several years later at the beginning of 2017, Carlos Moya joined Nadal’s coaching staff, replacing Toni and leading Rafa towards even more success.

Following another French Open victory in 2020, Nadal has cemented his place in the top 2 and equalled Roger Federer in the race for the most Grand Slams, with both players having enjoyed 20 Major titles.

Discussing his decision to step down as Rafael Nadal’s coach, Toni Nadal said that he believed there was nothing more he could do to help his nephew’s game, who was at the peak of his powers.

“I had come to believe that my contribution was no longer necessary”, said Toni Nadal.

“I’ve been a very demanding coach all my life; it was always my goal to educate Rafa to demand everything from himself. The job of a trainer is to make yourself dispensable; I think I did it.

“I was fortunate to train a great player who is also my nephew. I enjoyed that, and I feel grateful for it too. But I like to teach children, like now in Manacor, because I have the feeling that I can give them more than my nephew.”


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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.