“Roger Federer Has the Best Technique”- Toni Nadal

In an exclusive interview to NRC, Toni Nadal made an interesting comparison between tennis and football, mentioning his nephew Rafael Nadal and his rival Roger Federer. Toni Nadal, for those who do no know, has relieved himself from the coaching duties for Rafael Nadal. The Spaniard made an interesting comparison between the football players Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi with the tennis stars Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.

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Rafael has (Cristiano) Ronaldo’s work ethic,‘ said Toni Nadal. ‘(Roger) Federer has the best technique, but Rafael is talented too”, he continued. “Ronaldo cannot only score a goal, his technique skills are brilliant. Messi and Federer’s game is brilliant, but Rafael has unique qualities. His intensity while working has no rivals”, said Rafa’s uncle Toni Nadal. 

Nadal, who is an ambidextrous person, is not a natural left-hander, but Toni Nadal managed to convert his nephew into one. Toni said that Rafa was unique in the sense that he would hit forehands and backhands with two hands. Eventually they had to choose one side, and they went with the left.

‘It’s not thanks to me, when he played football Rafa played with his left foot”, said Toni Nadal. “In tennis, Rafa initially hit two-handed on both sides and did it well. But how many top players are double handed both on forehand and backhand side? No many. So we had to fix something. We chose the best option, only after I figured out that Rafa does all the rest with the right”, he said. “But his forehand on the left hand was much better, Rafa has the ability to hit a lot of top spin”, he added.

Toni Nadal also commented on the fact that unlike many other doping cases that have surfaced, Nadal hs beenb one of the cleanest players on the tour. “There are many idiots in this world. Sometimes they are not respectful”, he said. “Doping is totally contrary to our philosophy of life”, he continued. “We would never put Rafa’s health in danger. Winning is important, but everyone knows that Rafael is a correct person who would never cheat against his opponent,’ said Toni.