A good coach imparts discipline, skill, and nurtures talent. Each coach has his/her style of guiding their pupil. The great figures in different sports have had influential figures behind them guiding them to glory. Notably, Rafael Nadal had his uncle, Toni Nadal who remained his coach till 2017. Toni handed Rafa the tennis racquet at the age of three and the rest, as they say, is history. Toni now explains why and how Roger Federer has reached the pinnacle of the sport.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
When Toni Nadal asked Roger Federer why he was so good
In a recent chat with young fans of the sport, Toni Nadal spoke about coaching. He emphasized the importance of coaches in a player’s life. And having conversed with two legends in Roger Federer and footballer Johan Cruyff, Toni explained the importance of a coach. Both the legends said that coaches at the rising stages of their career guided them towards where they reached in their respective sports.
“I’ve always listened to learn from the best. So one day I asked Federer why he was so good. He told me that he was lucky to have a great coach when he was little,” Toni said
“I had the opportunity to ask Johan Cruyff the same thing, and he told me that he had always been very good, but that the key was to have a good coach who taught him a type of game with players older than him, and that when he played with those of his age, he had to apply it, “ Toni added
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Read More: Rafael Nadal Beats Lionel Messi to Be Voted as the Best Leader in Spain
Toni is now a coach at the Rafa Nadal Academy. He sees a lot of young, upcoming tennis stars. And he believes even though everyone should stay realistic, having dreams is what keeps everybody going. And so every young player initially should get the opportunity to prove themselves.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“Being realistic is important, but having dreams is what differentiates us. I know that not everyone manages to reach the elite, but I believe that as long as that dream is maintained, there will always be an opportunity “ he said
Toni had a great coaching career with Rafa, winning numerous Grand Slams and titles. So great insights and words of wisdom from one of the best coaches in tennis.