The world of tennis has witnessed epic battles between tennis legends Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer, collectively known as the ‘Big Three’. These three titans dominated the sport, engaging in thrilling rivalries that captured the hearts of tennis enthusiasts worldwide.

However, it was not always easy for the players. They had to put in some additional help to get the game set and done. Beneath the glamor of their rivalry lies a revelation made by Rafael Nadal regarding an incident during the 2013 US Open, where he faced Novak Djokovic.

Rafael Nadal reveals using unconventional methods at the 2013 US Open

During the 2013 US Open, Rafael Nadal found himself in a crucial situation while serving for the match. Feeling indecisive about where to place his serve, he sought advice from his trainer and uncle, Toni Nadal, who was present courtside.

“It was in the last game, when I was serving for the match. … I didn’t know where to serve. Down the center, to the middle or to try the classic play of the wide serve and then try to hit the forehand. They told me to serve wide and that’s where I served,” Rafael said in the interview.

The coaching instruction proved vital. Nadal revealed that he was advised to serve wide, which ultimately helped him secure victory over Djokovic. While this admission provided insight into the intricate dynamics of player-coach relationships, it also raised eyebrows about the legality of such interventions during matches.

However, this is not the first time that such an incident has happened. Rafa’s longtime rival and friend Roger Federer also revealed a similar incident.

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Roger Federer also raised the same concern with Rafa’s coach Toni Nadal

The Spaniard’s uncle and long-time coach, Toni Nadal, had a significant influence on his nephew’s career. However, this involvement sometimes extended to drawing criticism from opponents and raising concerns about the boundaries of coaching during matches. One notable incident occurred during a match between Nadal and Roger Federer in Rome in 2006.

Federer’s comments and other instances of perceived coaching during matches eventually led to Toni Nadal being fined $2,000 for his actions during one of Rafael’s matches. The controversy surrounding the issue prompted discussions within the tennis community about how coaching during matches should be monitored and regulated. “He was coaching a little bit too much again today. I caught him in the act. I told him many times already, through the entire match in Monaco, but it seems like they don’t keep a close enough eye on him,” said Federer in the interview.

The ‘Big Three’ of tennis have provided fans with some of the most unforgettable moments in the sport’s history. Their intense rivalries and matches have kept audiences on the edge of their seats. The fine imposed on Toni Nadal signifies some level of disciplinary enforcement. But unfortunately, the issue of coaching during matches remains a topic of debate.

Striking the right balance between players seeking guidance and maintaining the integrity of the game is a challenge that tennis authorities must address. What do you think?

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