Toni Nadal: "Rafa Nadal was favorite in Grand Slam race, but it has changed. Wimbledon Withdrawal Surprised him"

[TennisFan3]

Insightful Interview from Toni Nadal: https://www.sportskeeda.com/tennis/...vic-winning-calendar-slam-possible-toni-nadal
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"The truth is that before Roland Garros I saw Rafael (winning the most Grand Slams), now the subject has changed a bit," Toni told MARCA.

"It did surprise me (Rafael Nadal's withdrawal from Wimbledon)," Toni added. "It is true that he had a few small problems, but obviously he thought he would play."

"A loss at Roland Garros is always painful, especially if you have won 13 times," Toni Nadal said. "But it is not Rafael's first defeat. He has lost more difficult games in finals. It is normal that he is a little affected."

"The next Wimbledon and US Open will define things a bit because I understand that each year it will be more difficult to win."

Tsitsipas was already on the verge of beating Djokovic in Paris," Toni said. "Medvedev and Zverev are already there; Sinner, Musetti are coming."

By winning the title at both the Australian Open and Roland Garros, Novak Djokovic is now well-positioned to win all four Grand Slams this year. And Toni Nadal opined that the feat is tough, but not impossible.

"It is very difficult, but it is possible because he is World No. 1 ," Toni said.
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"I did not see an incredibly good game" - Toni on Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic's Roland Garros semifinal

I did not find it at a particularly high level," Toni said.
"When you look at the last set, yes. It is true that he won very good points, but Rafael failed more than normal.
He made 55 unforced errors and that made it easier for Djokovic to play better."

Toni also pointed out that his nephew's level and stats this year were not as good as they were in the 2020 edition of the tournament.

"If you look at Rafael's numbers from 2020 to 2021 there is a difference.
In the end it is a scale, when one goes up the other goes down and vice versa," Rafael Nadal's uncle added. "I did not see an incredibly good game.
I read that it was said that the level was very high, with superlative adjectives, and I did not see it that way."

___________________________

 

[Deleted member 771911]

Good ol' Tone. Always good for a quote.

 

[Hitman]

Insightful Interview from Toni Nadal: https://www.sportskeeda.com/tennis/...vic-winning-calendar-slam-possible-toni-nadal
__________________

"The truth is that before Roland Garros I saw Rafael (winning the most Grand Slams), now the subject has changed a bit," Toni told MARCA.

"It did surprise me (Rafael Nadal's withdrawal from Wimbledon)," Toni added. "It is true that he had a few small problems, but obviously he thought he would play."

"A loss at Roland Garros is always painful, especially if you have won 13 times," Toni Nadal said. "But it is not Rafael's first defeat. He has lost more difficult games in finals. It is normal that he is a little affected."

"The next Wimbledon and US Open will define things a bit because I understand that each year it will be more difficult to win."

Tsitsipas was already on the verge of beating Djokovic in Paris," Toni said. "Medvedev and Zverev are already there; Sinner, Musetti are coming."

By winning the title at both the Australian Open and Roland Garros, Novak Djokovic is now well-positioned to win all four Grand Slams this year. And Toni Nadal opined that the feat is tough, but not impossible.

"It is very difficult, but it is possible because he is World No. 1 ," Toni said.

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He has sensed the winds of change. RG 2021 changed the narrative.

 

[topher]

“Each year it will be more difficult to win.”

Sure, but not because the young guys are stepping up like he’s saying. More because Nadal has slowed down a ton and age will get to Novak eventually as well.

 

[King No1e]

I mean is it any surprise that he withdrew? He's not even a tennis player, just an injured person who occasionally plays tennis.

 

[helterskelter]

The basic point is clearly true. At 5-0 in the opening set of the RG semi-final, the chances of Nadal winning the slam race outright (e.g. not in a tie with Federer or Djokovic) must have been at least 60%. Losing that match and Djokovic following up by beating Tsitsipas was the tennis equivalent of a "real six-pointer" in football. By the end of Roland Garros, Nadal's chances of winning the slam race outright must have dropped to at most 30%.

Had Nadal won Roland Garros, he'd be ahead of Federer, with Federer almost certain never to win another slam, and three ahead of Djokovic with Djokovic 34.25 in slam terms (e.g. one slam past his 34th birthday). Now, he's still equal with Federer, and only one ahead of Djokovic, with Djokovic the more likely winner at each of the next three slams than Nadal.

Withdrawing from Wimbledon is a comparatively minor event in comparison, but drops Nadal's chances further still.

Still, Nadal could definitely wrack up at least a couple more titles at Roland Garros, so he's not out of it yet, even if Djokovic does win Wimbledon.

 

[Arak]

I feel that with Nadal it’s not the age or physical decline but more likely mental fatigue. He wants to settle down with his wife and have a family, unlike Roger who still has the fire but not the legs unfortunately.

 

[Krish0608]

Toni on one hand and Goran, Srdjan on the other hand. They just seem to lack the ability to shut up.
Thank God Ljubicic, Seve and Team Federer don’t suffer from this verbal diarrhoea!

 

[TennisFan3]

He has sensed the winds of change. RG 2021 changed the narrative.

The winds have completely changed course.
I mean Toni is pretty much saying Nadal has given up on the slam race, and he cannot believe his nephew did not play Wimbledon.

 

[TennisFan3]

Toni on one hand and Goran, Srdjan on the other hand. They just seem to lack the ability to shut up.
Thank God Ljubicic, Seve and Team Federer don’t suffer from this verbal diarrhoea!

These are FAIR and ACCURATE comments by Toni.
Compared to Goran who said Novak gave Nadal a tennis lesson. Or in RG 2020, Goran again said Novak would thrash Nadal (the opposite happened).

Toni is cynical but he doesn't say crap. His interviews are pretty insightful. He says it without sugarcoating his nephew's chances.

 

[TennisFan3]

The basic point is clearly true. At 5-0 in the opening set of the RG semi-final, the chances of Nadal winning the slam race outright (e.g. not in a tie with Federer or Djokovic) must have been at least 60%. Losing that match and Djokovic following up by beating Tsitsipas was the tennis equivalent of a "real six-pointer" in football. By the end of Roland Garros, Nadal's chances of winning the slam race outright must have dropped to at most 30%.

Had Nadal won Roland Garros, he'd be ahead of Federer, with Federer almost certain never to win another slam, and three ahead of Djokovic with Djokovic 34.25 in slam terms (e.g. one slam past his 34th birthday). Now, he's still equal with Federer, and only one ahead of Djokovic, with Djokovic the more likely winner at each of the next three slams than Nadal.

Withdrawing from Wimbledon is a comparatively minor event in comparison, but drops Nadal's chances further still.

Still, Nadal could definitely wrack up at least a couple more titles at Roland Garros, so he's not out of it yet, even if Djokovic does win Wimbledon.

Excellent post.
Don't agree with the bold however.
Unless Novak has a career ending injury it is IMPOSSIBLE that he doesn't break the slam record. He will be even in 2 weeks and then ahead at either UsOpen 2021 and AO 2022.
Then after that Novak will be a factor for some years, where as Fed/Nadal are DONE.

 

[Krish0608]

These are FAIR ACCURATE comments by Toni.
Compared to Goran who said Novak gave Nadal a tennis lesson
Or in RG 2020 Goran said Novak would thrash Nadal.

Toni is cynical but he doesn't say crap. His interview is pretty insightful.

Yeah but he talks too much

 

[GabeT]

He has sensed the winds of change. RG 2021 changed the narrative.

RG21 could end up being huge in the slam race narrative. It’s not imposible Nadal never wins another slam and/or ends up just one behind Novak

 

[TennisFan3]

Yeah but he talks too much

That much I can agree with. His mouth is too open, but it's not spouting rubbish like Ivanisevic does.

 

[weakera]

Yeah but he talks too much

What's wrong with giving interviews? The things he has to say are interesting.

 

[Milehigh5280]

He has sensed the winds of change. RG 2021 changed the narrative.

Every slam the Big 3 compete in is especially pivotal these days, but RG 2021 might end up being the most significant when all is said and done

 

[40-15 still haunts me]

I like Uncle Toni. Seems to be very level headed and at least appreciative of what Roger has always done and now Novak too. Unlike Goran who claims his player gives out tennis lessons to every player he wins

 

[TennisFan3]

I like Uncle Toni. Seems to be very level headed and at least appreciative of what Roger has always done and now Novak too. Unlike Goran who claims his player gives out tennis lessons to every player he wins

Good post. Agree completely.

 

[TennisFan3]

Every slam the Big 3 compete in is especially pivotal these days, but RG 2021 might end up being the most significant when all is said and done

Nadal's career has had some EPIC chances: AO 2012 F, AO 2017 F, Wimb 2018 SF, RG 2021 SF.

These 4 slams could end up costing him the slam race and Tier 1 GOAT status.

 

[topher]

The basic point is clearly true. At 5-0 in the opening set of the RG semi-final, the chances of Nadal winning the slam race outright (e.g. not in a tie with Federer or Djokovic) must have been at least 60%. Losing that match and Djokovic following up by beating Tsitsipas was the tennis equivalent of a "real six-pointer" in football. By the end of Roland Garros, Nadal's chances of winning the slam race outright must have dropped to at most 30%.

Had Nadal won Roland Garros, he'd be ahead of Federer, with Federer almost certain never to win another slam, and three ahead of Djokovic with Djokovic 34.25 in slam terms (e.g. one slam past after his 34th birthday). Now, he's still equal with Federer, and only one ahead of Djokovic, with Djokovic the more likely winner at each of the next three slams than Nadal.

Withdrawing from Wimbledon is a comparatively minor event in comparison, but drops Nadal's chances further still.

Still, Nadal could definitely wrack up at least a couple more titles at Roland Garros, so he's not out of it yet, even if Djokovic does win Wimbledon.

I agree with the general trends but don’t think Rafa was ever the clear favorite in the slam race. Perhaps if Novak had lost at AO or Wimbledon the past 3 years.

But even if Rafa had won RG, he’d need to win the USO or something like that to be the favorite. 3 slams is just not a significant margin when Novak can basically beat anybody and everyone but Rafa at all 4 slams.

 

[El_Yotamo]

I mean Toni is kinda captain obvious here, but it's true that RG21 has changed the whole dynamic. If Nadal wins and maybe Djokovic is a bit tired as a result and Nadal maybe wins one additional slam at RG/USO within the upcoming 12 months, then Djokovic effectively has to win 5 more slams and you gotta say that doing that is insane even for him.
Now after the loss, it seems that Nadal is the one who's tired out and it is also likely he never wins a big one again. All this means Djoker now only needs 2 more slams which is leaps and bounds more doable (and tbh it's expected at this point considering the field at Wimbledon etc). Therefore, Nadal goes from arguably favorite to potentially even third favorite depending on whether Fed can give it one last push at SW19

This of course is a dagger to my heart, but it's true imo

 

[El_Yotamo]

Nadal's career has had some EPIC chances: AO 2012 F, AO 2017 F, Wimb 2018 SF, RG 2021 SF.

These 4 slams could end up costing him the slam race and Tier 1 GOAT status.

Wow AO12/17 are too painful for me. WB18 and even RG21 in a sense fine, I would've liked him to win and it's a shame he didn't but ya know those AOs he was a couple holds away and it's undeniable that the AO has been where he's gotten the most unlucky. Just a huge shame

 

[Ivan Lendl]

Is this a dig aimed at Rafa's current team? I don't think Rafa made the decision to skip Wimby alone, it's probably advice from his team. Toni sounds like: If I'm in charge I wouldn't let him skip Wimby in this important point of slam race.

 

[mental midget]

What's wrong with giving interviews? The things he has to say are interesting.

yeah i have to say i agree with most of the stuff toni puts out there, pretty frank assessments usually. you can see that pov in a lot of nadal's interviews as well, not a lot of magical thinking going on for the most part.

 

[Krish0608]

What's wrong with giving interviews? The things he has to say are interesting.

They are insightful. But I don’t think Rafa is too happy about Toni over-sharing his thoughts especially about Rafa.

 

[El_Yotamo]

I don’t think Rafa is too happy about Toni over-sharing his thoughts especially about Rafa.

Fair and possibly true point

 

[TennisFan3]

Wow AO12/17 are too painful for me. WB18 and even RG21 in a sense fine, I would've liked him to win and it's a shame he didn't but ya know those AOs he was a couple holds away and it's undeniable that the AO has been where he's gotten the most unlucky. Just a huge shame

I also feel he has underperformed at Wimbledon with some bad luck.
Lots of close matches lost to kygrios, Mueller,Novak and Fed.
He is a BETTER grass court player than his 2 titles would suggest.

Despite the slam count, I STILL always maintain that GRASS is Nadal's 2nd best surface. Hardcourts being the last.

 

[TennisFan3]

Is this a dig aimed at Rafa's current team? I don't think Rafa made the decision to skip Wimby alone, it's probably advice from his team. Toni sounds like: If I'm in charge I wouldn't let him skip Wimby in this important point of slam race.

Nadal calls the shots. He took the call. Even Moya was surprised reportedly.
Also Nadal did NOT even talk to Moya for many days after the Novak loss.

In that sense, Toni was FAR MORE dominating in the player-coach relationship. Hence as Nadal became older and more assertive, Toni could not live with that and it was time to go.

 

[El_Yotamo]

I also feel he has underperformed at Wimbledon with some bad luck.
Lots of close matches lost to kygrios, Mueller,Novak and Fed.
He is a BETTER grass court player than his 2 titles would suggest.

Despite the slam count, I STILL always maintain that GRASS is Nadal's 2nd best surface. Hardcourts being the last.

Yeah I agree with most of it and I agreed with all of it until a few years ago. Looking back, I think in his prime grass is easily his second best surface but since the start of his physical decline around 2012 hard is his second best for sure. I mean he had a couple of decent grass runs and opportunities in the last 9 years for sure, but he's had at least double that (and also converted) on hard

 

[GabeT]

I mean Toni is kinda captain obvious here, but it's true that RG21 has changed the whole dynamic. If Nadal wins and maybe Djokovic is a bit tired as a result and Nadal maybe wins one additional slam at RG/USO within the upcoming 12 months, then Djokovic effectively has to win 5 more slams and you gotta say that doing that is insane even for him.
Now after the loss, it seems that Nadal is the one who's tired out and it is also likely he never wins a big one again. All this means Djoker now only needs 2 more slams which is leaps and bounds more doable (and tbh it's expected at this point considering the field at Wimbledon etc). Therefore, Nadal goes from arguably favorite to potentially even third favorite depending on whether Fed can give it one last push at SW19

This of course is a dagger to my heart, but it's true imo

True but also why I can’t equate slam race winner with GOAT status. Small differences shouldn’t have such huge impact

 

[weakera]

yeah i have to say i agree with most of the stuff toni puts out there, pretty frank assessments usually. you can see that pov in a lot of nadal's interviews as well, not a lot of magical thinking going on for the most part.

Nice username

 

[TennisFan3]

Yeah I agree with most of it and I agreed with all of it until a few years ago. Looking back, I think in his prime grass is easily his second best surface but since the start of his physical decline around 2012 hard is his second best for sure. I mean he had a couple of decent grass runs and opportunities in the last 9 years for sure, but he's had at least double that (and also converted) on hard

I think Nadal looked really sharp in 2017-2019. He was just desperately unlucky and lost in close matches to Mueller, Novak and Fed.
Even Moya said that Grass is Nadal's 2nd best surface.

To me what I like about Nadal on grass is that he plays very offensively. And then uses a lot of creativity with the slice, net play and angles. Plus he also moves well on grass.

 

[TennisFan3]

Nice username

What does 2>1 Bud mean? What h2h is this?

 

[weakera]

They are insightful. But I don’t think Rafa is too happy about Toni over-sharing his thoughts especially about Rafa.

I don't think he minds to be honest. Toni has always been this way and there is a great mutual respect and love there.

 

[weakera]

What does 2>1 Bud mean? What h2h is this?

It's a simple mathematical equation bud

 

[El_Yotamo]

True but also why I can’t equate slam race winner with GOAT status. Small differences shouldn’t have such huge impact

I see your point, and yet that's partly why I actively don't engage in such discussions. To me there's ATGs and there's possibly different ATG tiers. But unless Novak gets like 25 I think all 3 are GOATs and at the same time none of them are

Btw, like it or not small differences always have a huge impact. That's what makes nonlinear chaos so interesting

 

[TennisFan3]

It's a simple mathematical equation bud

It's an empirical fact. 2>1.
But is this related to tennis?

 

[El_Yotamo]

I think Nadal looked really sharp in 2017-2019. He was just desperately unlucky and lost in close matches to Mueller, Novak and Fed.
Even Moya said that Grass is Nadal's 2nd best surface.

To me what I like about Nadal on grass is that he plays very offensively. And then uses a lot of creativity with the slice, net play and angles. Plus he also moves well on grass.

Don't get me wrong, I love Nadal on grass and it's a huge shame he's not playing (tennis) on it this year and obviously enormous respect to Carlos who clearly knows Rafa better than any of us. End of the day though results speak for themselves, maybe he plays better on grass than on hard but imo he's clearly been more successful on hard especially since 2012. Also tbh I'd really love for him to have achieved the DCGS, imagine him doing that way back in 2012, would've been sweet af

 

[weakera]

It's an empirical fact. 2>1.
But is this related to tennis?

2-1 is love, 2-1 is life

 

[socallefty]

He has sensed the winds of change. RG 2021 changed the narrative.

 

[El_Yotamo]

@weakera and @mental midget walk into a bar...
We need a @nextgen to complete the love triangle

 

[game..set..match]

nadal is a coward

 

[TennisFan3]

nadal is a coward

Worst post on this thread.
Way to go to call a 20 times slam champion a coward.

 

[El_Yotamo]

Wow...this thread was really good across the board until #42. Interesting coincidence

 

[StannisTheMannis]

Toni on one hand and Goran, Srdjan on the other hand. They just seem to lack the ability to shut up.
Thank God Ljubicic, Seve and Team Federer don’t suffer from this verbal diarrhoea!

Harmless quotes do seem to become a bit more annoying when you’re not perched on the GOAT throne

 

[titoelcolombiano]

I can't disagree with Toni's assessment of the slam race. If Rafa had won RG, the race was 21 - 18. Three slams to tie and four to lead (with Nadal still able to add to the tally) is a big ask even for Djokovic approaching his mid-thirties. The current one slam gap will almost certainly be closed in two weeks.

The US Open marketing team must be licking their lips at the prospect.

 

[Raul_SJ]

The winds have completely changed course.
I mean Toni is pretty much saying Nadal has given up on the slam race, and he cannot believe his nephew did not play Wimbledon.

Did this Uncle Tony say what injury Rafa has?

 

[Sudacafan]

I like Uncle Toni. Seems to be very level headed and at least appreciative of what Roger has always done and now Novak too. Unlike Goran who claims his player gives out tennis lessons to every player he wins

I don’t.

 

[PilotPete]

I doubt there's a change. Next year Nadal would still be the favourite since he would plan for it better, i.e. the revenge factor.

 

[Bluemoon20]

The winds have completely changed course.
I mean Toni is pretty much saying Nadal has given up on the slam race, and he cannot believe his nephew did not play Wimbledon.

Not really. The comments are designed to put pressure on Djokovic. If he loses at Wimbledon then his comments can be read as Nadal is favourite again. Anyone thinking Nadal or Federer have given up needs to give their head a wobble..
The interesting thing is the lack of mention of Federer. Federer is literally two weeks away from securing his legacy as THE Greatest. If he wins Wimbledon nothing Nadal and/or Djokovic do will change that.
I am surprised Toni did not try and put pressure on Federer saying he should make the final or something similar.