Toni Nadal Backs Rafa to Challenge for Wimbledon Title

Rafael Nadal’s uncle and former coach Toni Nadal believes that Rafa can challenge Roger Federer and co. for the Wimbledon title. However, he said that that will only be possible if he is at his best on the fitness scale.

The world No 1 clinched his 11th career crown at Roland Garros, seeing off Dominic Thiem in straight sets.

With that, Nadal has claimed four of five clay-court titles in yet another dominant swing on his favoured surface.

Now, the ATP Tour switches to a grass surface. Swiss ace Roger Federer will make his long-awaited return with 2,500 points to defend. He has had successes at the Halle Open and Wimbledon back in 2017.

The Swiss ace, and Nadal?s long-term rival, is set to return to action at the Mercedes Cup in Stuttgart this week. If he manages to get three wins, it would take him back above Nadal in the rankings.

The Stuttgart Open is ahead of Wimbledon, where Federer is the favourite to win as an eight-time champion.

Meanwhile, Nadal has claimed just two of his 17 Majors wins at the All England Club. The latest triumph was back in 2010. Since then, he has not progressed past the fourth round in any of the last five appearances.

Regardless of his mixed fortunes, his uncle Toni is confident he can challenge this year for victory.

?It’s always hard to play Wimbledon for us,? he admitted.

?But I believe that if he is physically well, he will have the opportunity.?

?It will not be easy for him, but he can do it.”

However, Nadal has withdrawn from the Fever-Tree Championships at the Queen’s Club in London.

“I have spoken to my doctors and need to listen to what my body is telling me,” the 32-year-old Spaniard said.

“I would like to say sorry to the tournament organisers and the fans that were hoping to see me play.”