Rafa Nadal, in the eyes of Toni: "What makes me proudest is that he never strayed from his path"

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Toni Nadal has been the greatest luxury spectator of his nephew's career for over a decade. No one knows Rafael Nadal as well as him, a companion in travels and adventures for so many years, eternal confidant in moments of certain pessimism, a fundamental piece of a widely known mechanism. It has been over a week since that farewell at the Martín Carpena, and many still do not process that Rafa will not step onto a tennis court as a professional again; what better time, then, for someone who knows him so well to offer his perspective on the process, legacy, and farewell of the Balearic.

Toni learned several months ago about Rafa's plans: to leave during the tournament where the circle closed, the same one that put him in the eye of the hurricane after that memorable victory against Roddick in 2004. "A few months ago Rafa told me he was thinking about retiring. He wanted to do it in Málaga, during the Davis Cup. It was something we more or less expected. We knew the moment would come sooner or later. I found out months ago because Rafa told me", Toni points out in statements to the ATP, in remarks that go far beyond.

What taste does the ending leave? Now that everything has ended, what are the first sensations that come to mind? "I am very happy for all he has achieved", starts Toni, but ends up offering a perspective that goes beyond court successes. "Above all, the most noteworthy and what makes me proudest as a family member is seeing how a kid who dreamt of being a professional tennis player did everything without deviating from the path. He always kept his feet on the ground. He remained competitive within the bounds of what was appropriate. That is what gives me the most satisfaction. I love seeing how people appreciate that", Toni asserts candidly.

THE MOST UNFORGETTABLE MEMORIES

"He can leave with his head held high: he has earned the respect of most people". These words show a more than palpable pride for his nephew, but they do not reflect unforgettable individual moments. What does Toni Nadal hold onto within what has been a journey of over 20 years?: "I will always remember, of course, the 2008 Wimbledon final, the French Open finals, the tournaments in Monte Carlo... but, above all, I will remember the process that led Rafael to achieve those victories. I always told him: if you don't like the process, it will be difficult to like the result. I always emphasized the process. Since I stopped training Rafael, sometimes I recall past victories, but also training at the Manacor Tennis Club when Rafael was still a child, trying to improve his forehand and backhand".

The final stages of Rafa's career were a constant struggle against his body and physical limitations, something that Toni experienced up close during many moments, but he offers a final reflection of great value: Nadal will leave content and without grudges after a historic career... yes, despite everything. "I have seen him suffer, yes. I got used to seeing him suffer many times. He had complicated injuries many times, and because I got used to that suffering, I wasn't surprised to see him suffer a bit at the end. The truth is, even seeing him suffer, I believe Rafael cannot complain. Life has treated him very well". Words from someone who fully understands what they're saying and indeed provide wisdom in the aftermath of the farewell.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Rafa Nadal, en los ojos de Toni: "Lo que más me enorgullece es que nunca se desvió de su camino"