Toni Nadal took a rather subtle dig at his nephew Rafael Nadal’s farewell ceremony at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga.
Toni Nadal and Rafael Nadal (via X)
Rafael Nadal officially hung his racket at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga, bidding an emotional farewell to tennis. However, everything related to the goodbye ceremony by Nadal continues to spark debates in the media. This time around, Nadal’s uncle, Toni Nadal, took a critical look at the ceremony, claiming that he was a little disappointed.
On Tuesday (November 19), Nadal opened the best-of-three series tie for Spain against the Netherlands with a 4-6, 4-6 defeat against Botic van de Zandschulp. Carlos Alcaraz won the second match to tie the score 1-1, but Spain lost their doubles match, which gave the Netherlands the much-needed 2-1 victory to qualify for the semifinals.
After the loss, Nadal was handed the microphone and was asked a few important questions about his career, including his parents, siblings, and coaches. He was then given a framed photo, and Spain’s captain, David Ferrer, had some encouraging words for him. Then on the big screen, footage of his career as well as videos from.the likes of Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray saying goodbyes, appeared.
However, Djokovic and Murray were expected to attend the ceremony but were expected to arrive only on Friday for the semifinals. But, with Spain’s defeat they had to send a video. During Toni Nadal’s interview with El Larguero on SER radio, he revealed that the footage on the big screen was not in line with Nadal’s career.
Nadal’s uncle became his coach right from when he was just 3 (1989), until 2017, before stepping down due to a hectic traveling tour. Under the 63-year-old’s watchful eyes, Nadal won 16 of his 22 career Grand Slams.
Rafael Nadal has barely competed on tour since sustaining a hip injury in January 2023. Despite a comeback, the 38-year-old played in only eight tournaments this season, including the Davis Cup. He withdrew from three of the four Grand Slam events this year due to injuries.
In October, Nadal announced he was going to retire from the sport at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga. During the aforementioned interview, Toni Nadal revealed that his nephew made the most appropriate decision by retiring from the sport at the right time.
Nadal’s ended the 2024 season with a 12-7 tour-level record. He reached only one final this year, which came at the Nordea Open in Bastad.
