The GOAT debate never ceases to end. Subjectivity always trumps statistics and personal preferences take centre stage often. Novak Djokovic‘s unprecedented 23rd grand slam title forced many people to concede the debate as he overtook Rafael Nadal’s 22 major tally. However, the Spaniard’s uncle was never one to concede.
Toni Nadal recently dropped some controversial takes with regard to the GOAT debate. He blamed the ATP tour’s ‘bias’ towards faster surfaces as the reason behind Novak Djokovic leading the slam race. In his eyes, his nephew remained the greatest ever despite the stats favoring the Serb. Fans on social media weren’t particularly pleased by his take, as the 62-year-old received plenty of flak.
Twitterati reacts to Toni Nadal’s controversial take on Novak Djokovic
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Rafael Nadal’s former coach said, “My nephew plays three grand slams on the surface he doesn’t do well and one on the surface he does well.” Eurosport posted this quote, which eventually led to some interesting reactions on Twitter.
Toni Nadal thinks the surfaces have played a big part in Rafa's Grand Slam ambitions 👀🏆 pic.twitter.com/J3CXBfqmvq
— Eurosport (@eurosport) July 13, 2023
Unsurprisingly, Novak Djokovic fans jumped onto it and attacked the former coach.
Cry me a river 🙄 https://t.co/oSH2jvHrNP
— Aleksandra #23🏆🎾🇷🇸 (@Al_x_andra) July 13, 2023
A fan mocked him and said, “Imagine if French Open were on grass, Rafa would be nobody”
Imagine if French Open were on grass, Rafa would be nobody 😱 https://t.co/oXp1UOlYyp
— 🐻 T A N G 🎾 (@Tanguignol) July 13, 2023
Rafael Nadal’s words were used against Toni Nadal when Rafa once said, “If, if, if…doesn’t exist”.
— A war crime is a war crime, whoever commits it🥀 (@JonWooders) July 13, 2023
Toni Nadal currently coaches Felix Auger-Aliassime who is going through a rough patch at the moment. He was mocked and asked to focus on his form instead.
Toni uncle should focus more on Felix, the guy he is coaching. His nephew would do just fine without him talking.
— Z. (@Meadowandhats) July 13, 2023
“He seriously needs to shut the f*** up,” said an annoyed fan
He seriously needs to shut the fuck up https://t.co/3HbACYqjLZ
— Belgrade Wanderer 🇰🇲 (@boltonian011) July 13, 2023
Fans also suggested Toni to not be bitter about it and celebrate Nadal’s 22 slams.
Toni – please don't be bitter. Enjoy the 21/22* he did win. https://t.co/mpVkTZtdOO
— Tennis Puneet 🎾 📚 (@TennisPuneet) July 13, 2023
Toni was also mocked by Nadal fans. According to some Rafa fans, Toni indirectly admitted that Nadal is not as versatile as Djokovic, which weakened the Spaniard’s case.
He is not doing Nadal any favours here. He is giving the impression that his Nephew is unable to adapt to other surfaces which is paramount to winning GS's. Djokovic adapted to Clay and Grass while HC's are his best surface.
— Anne Ryan Mazza (@AnneMazza17) July 13, 2023
It seemed like Toni also diminished Nadal’s off-clay achievements with his statement. Another Nadal fan mentioned how Nadal has also been really successful without clay.
Even without clay Nadal will be an all time great. With double career slam and 8 slams.
However It's true the medium fast surface homogeneity favors Novak way way more,— S.S (@write2swagatam) July 13, 2023
Instead of whining, Uncle Toni was asked to enjoy Rafa’s 8 non-clay slams.
quit whining old man just be grateful your nephew won 2 in AO, 2 in Wimby and 4 in US https://t.co/D73DwXK8B7
— dee (@deeheruela) July 13, 2023
It wasn’t the first time Toni Nadal received criticism on Twitter for his partiality. Just over a week ago, the Spaniard was bashed by the fans on social media.
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Toni Nadal was criticized for poor coaching
Felix Auger-Aliassime, who has currently hired Toni Nadal, is struggling to find his form on the tour. After his round one exit in the ongoing Wimbledon, the fans started blaming Toni for his poor performances. In fact, the fans have been critical of Toni for quite some time now. During last year’s Roland Garros, he openly rooted for Rafael Nadal in the round of 16 encounter against Felix. The 62-year-old was heavily criticized for this decision.
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Do you think Felix should part ways with Toni Nadal? Let us know in the comments.
WATCH THIS STORY: Novak Djokovic’s epic finals against Rafael Nadal, Dominic Thiem, Andy Murray, Wilfried Tsonga at the Australian Open