Uncle Toni: ´Rafael Nadal didn´t deserve to win the final, Nishikori did´

[tennis4jags]

"We didn't deserve the win, our opponent did. Nishikori played better throughout the entire match. It's an unfair victory, and we have been really lucky. Rafa was very nervous, all because of the great level of Nishikori. The tournament was a very good one, with the exception of the final, but in Rome we will have to be extra careful. People tend to take Rafa's wins for granted. Only the dull and fanatic people are extra confident. I am neither of that".

http://www.**************.org/Uncle-Toni-Rafael-Nadal-didnt-deserve-to-win-the-final-Nishikori-did-articolo17932.html

Is this statement from coach is going to spoil his confidence or he just spoken truth?

 

[heninfan99]

Some good sense is always welcome!

"We didn't deserve the win, our opponent did. Nishikori played better throughout the entire match. It's an unfair victory, and we have been really lucky. Rafa was very nervous, all because of the great level of Nishikori. The tournament was a very good one, with the exception of the final, but in Rome we will have to be extra careful. People tend to take Rafa's wins for granted. Only the dull and fanatic people are extra confident. I am neither of that".

 

[TeamOB]

Only the dull and fanatic people are extra confident. I am neither of that.

130 and BROKENRECORD need to read this.

 

[JuliusWinto]

Just truth. But Nadal still won. Nishikori would've still beat him if Rafa didn't raise his game even though Kei got injured. Lots of fight.

 

[NADALRECORD]

I think Nadal is more powerful than Uncle Toni. Maybe when Nadal was younger he thought everything Uncle Toni said was a good idea. But 2009 and 2011 taught Nadal that Uncle Toni doesn't always have the right idea.

Uncle Toni could not lift Nadal from the abyss in 2009 and 2011. Sometimes the extensively humble approach kicks Nadal when he's down. One often needs arrogance to lift oneself out of a hole. Since Uncle Toni is 100% against arrogance, it takes a while for Nadal to regain confidence. That's what happened in 2009 and 2011.

 

[booson]

I'll repeat what I have said in another thread.

Toni directly contradicted Rafa's statements. Rafa said that it wasn't luck that helped him win Madrid.

This may mean something in terms of their relationship. I think the changing circumstances regarding the biological passport is creating a lot of tension between them. After all, I think Rafa's still a kid. No true inner development, just trapped in this very restrained tennis world he has been part of since teenager. I must say I feel a little sorry for him. Now that his world is rapidly changing, he must be in turmoil.

 

[NADALRECORD]

^ There has always been tension between Nadal and Uncle Toni. They disagree regularly, according to everything I've read.

 

[booson]

^ There has always been tension between Nadal and Uncle Toni. They disagree regularly, according to everything I've read.

Yada yada yada yada.

 

[OTMPut]

Honest assessment by Toni.

You need someone like that in your camp. Too many yes men around is not a good thing.

 

[sureshs]

His point about fanatic people is right on the mark. They are often the most confident of people. I think he meant religious fanatics, though he did not want to say it explicitly.

 

[bullfan]

I'll repeat what I have said in another thread.

Toni directly contradicted Rafa's statements. Rafa said that it wasn't luck that helped him win Madrid.

This may mean something in terms of their relationship. I think the changing circumstances regarding the biological passport is creating a lot of tension between them. After all, I think Rafa's still a kid. No true inner development, just trapped in this very restrained tennis world he has been part of since teenager. I must say I feel a little sorry for him. Now that his world is rapidly changing, he must be in turmoil.

I'm always fascinated by how well the Nadal haters seem to know Nadal! Serious obsession some folks have!

 

[heninfan99]

Nadal needs to crush someone in a final of some kind to regain his mojo. He should enter some satellite and taste true victory before the FO.

 

[bullfan]

Nadal needs to crush someone in a final of some kind to regain his mojo. He should enter some satellite and taste true victory before the FO.

He's played a lot this year. Madrid was a blessing for Nadal. Short matches, where he didn't have to go full force.

 

[booson]

I'm always fascinated by how well the Nadal haters seem to know Nadal! Serious obsession some folks have!

Some people call it empathy. How can a 'hater, according to you, feel sorry for Nadal?

 

[stoneagle]

it's takes a lot for nishikori to beat rafa:
*kei must hit the ball as "hard as he can" on groundstrokes at least over 85mph ball or faster to out ran rafa.
*kei must take risky sharp angles shots.
*kei must run faster than his normal speed.
*kei must exagerate every move to generate his power, speed, strength & consistency to beat rafa.
unfortunate for kei, to beat rafa this way, he has to do all these extremes; by doing so it takes toll on his body that's why he got injured.
if I compare nishikori's body and rafa's body, rafa is more tougher, resilient,
stronger, and more stamina. rafa has been doing this for a long time too since
he was 17. if nishikori play the intensity the way he played rafa at Mardrid finals to all his upcoming matches, he won't last long, his body will not hold up.

 

[netlets]

it's takes a lot for nishikori to beat rafa:
*kei must hit the ball as "hard as he can" on groundstrokes at least over 85mph ball or faster to out ran rafa.
*kei must take risky sharp angles shots.
*kei must run faster than his normal speed.
*kei must exagerate every move to generate his power, speed, strength & consistency to beat rafa.
unfortunate for kei, to beat rafa this way, he has to do all these extremes; by doing so it takes toll on his body that's why he got injured.
if I compare nishikori's body and rafa's body, rafa is more tougher, resilient,
stronger, and more stamina. rafa has been doing this for a long time too since
he was 17. if nishikori play the intensity the way he played rafa at Mardrid finals to all his upcoming matches, he won't last long, his body will not hold up.

You do realize he hurt his back against Ferrer, right? He played the whole match below 100%, even when he was wining.

 

[Sentinel]

His point about fanatic people is right on the mark. They are often the most confident of people. I think he meant religious fanatics, though he did not want to say it explicitly.

hahaha

yes, sir !
he was referring to those internet fans who have made Nadal their religion. He was making a dig at the poasters here. Clearly Toni reads TW.

 

[bullfan]

Some people call it empathy. How can a 'hater, according to you, feel sorry for Nadal?

I don't think you feel empathy in the least.

Nope, why should I feel sorry for Nadal.

He's had an awesome career, full of high's, and to a lesser extent low's. He's said that he's happy with his life and wouldn't trade a thing, so why should I feel sorry for him? I take him at his word in this case. Given all the things he's been able to do and achieved, there's no reason to feel sorry for him.

Sure, it's sad to see the downhill path of his career, since the apex, but, I appreciate the moments of greatness that he shows at times. No player plays at top level forever. I'm not foolish enough to not realize that I shouldn't appreciate the great matches he has left.

 

[big ted]

no two ways about it imo, nishikori was up 6-2, 4-2 and was clearly outplaying him. rafa was playing poorly but he couldnt raise his game at all until that injury seemed to come along.

 

[furryballs]

^ There has always been tension between Nadal and Uncle Toni. They disagree regularly, according to everything I've read.

and exactly how true is everything you read?

 

[OTMPut]

no two ways about it imo, nishikori was up 6-2, 4-2 and was clearly outplaying him. rafa was playing poorly but he couldnt raise his game at all until that injury seemed to come along.

These are the facts.
As always the Nadal fanatics come out with creative interpretations.

 

[OTMPut]

if I compare nishikori's body and rafa's body, rafa is more tougher, resilient,
stronger, and more stamina. rafa has been doing this for a long time too since
he was 17. if nishikori play the intensity the way he played rafa at Mardrid finals to all his upcoming matches, he won't last long, his body will not hold up.

Wait. Did not Rafael's back gave up on him in this year's AO finals?
Or did it?

 

[adil1972]

is uncle toni a step uncle of nadal

hehehhehehhehehe

 

[furryballs]

Wait. Did not Rafael's back gave up on him in this year's AO finals?
Or did it?

no his back was fine he gave up mentally

 

[cronus]

is uncle toni a step uncle of nadal

hehehhehehhehehe

or is there some thing more involved ? ;-)

 

[SublimeTennis]

I'm always fascinated by how well the Nadal haters seem to know Nadal! Serious obsession some folks have!

Why is someone a Nadal "hater" if they agree? That is illogical.

I love Nadal, but clearly, well did you watch the match??? I've never seen Nadal play so horrible. I don't know what his problem is lately.

Of course Kei would have won, and won easily if he didn't get hurt, this is clear to any rational person.

Does this mean Kei is better? No, Nadal was WAY OFF, and the Kei guy, I've seen him a few times, he's solid, he reminds me of Djokovich except he stands in closer.

Everyone wants to know who is the next great player, I think he's a candidate.

 

[sbengte]

This match was more about Nishikori's bad luck and had very little to do with Nadal. Nishikori was 6 points away from victory at one point and if one of the several things had gone his way, he probably had a good chance of holding the trophy :

- If he had played the first semi and had more recovery time
- If his match with Ferrer hadn't gone on so long
- If he had landed in the opposite half of the draw and played Nadal in the semi instead of Ferrer.

but alas, nothing went his way. It was so heartbreaking to see because he came within touching distance of a M1000 title.

 

[SublimeTennis]

This match was more about Nishikori's bad luck and had very little to do with Nadal. Nishikori was 6 points away from victory at one point and if one of the several things had gone his way, he probably had a good chance of holding the trophy :

- If he had played the first semi and had more recovery time
- If his match with Ferrer hadn't gone on so long
- If he had landed in the opposite half of the draw and played Nadal in the semi instead of Ferrer.

but alas, nothing went his way. It was so heartbreaking to see because he came within touching distance of a M1000 title.

I agree, I'd add they have to change that rule, it's nuts. The guy plays a grueling match with Ferrer, then next day has to play a monster. Give them at least one day to recover.

I remember, I think it was the US Open when Murray beat Djokovich, same deal with Novak, he was WIPED, you could see it on him, and Murray was simply in better shape. Same deal with Federer at the Olympics, what was it 5 sets with Del Potro, then he has to play the Gizelle?

I don't know about you guys, but when I'm wiped out tired it's your game!

 

[sbengte]

I agree, I'd add they have to change that rule, it's nuts. The guy plays a grueling match with Ferrer, then next day has to play a monster. Give them at least one day to recover.

I remember, I think it was the US Open when Murray beat Djokovich, same deal with Novak, he was WIPED, you could see it on him, and Murray was simply in better shape. Same deal with Federer at the Olympics, what was it 5 sets with Del Potro, then he has to play the Gizelle?

I don't know about you guys, but when I'm wiped out tired it's your game!

In a Masters tournament, the schedule can't really accommodate a day off before the finals. My problem is only with having the two semis at different times, giving the unlucky finalist who plays the second semi less than a day's time to recover. And who plays the first semi is totally random and can boil down to whom the organizers want to favor or who requests/bullies them or who is a bigger draw and such things, which is again unfair.

If you ask me, I'd have the two semis played back to back, not one in the afternoon and the other in the evening. Also, the semi where overall higher ranked players play should go first since it is likely to be closely contested and the winner should have a fair chance to recover. Like in this case, no.5 vs no. 10 should have played first compared to no.1 vs no,. 28 or something.

 

[cc0509]

This match was more about Nishikori's bad luck and had very little to do with Nadal. Nishikori was 6 points away from victory at one point and if one of the several things had gone his way, he probably had a good chance of holding the trophy :

- If he had played the first semi and had more recovery time
- If his match with Ferrer hadn't gone on so long
- If he had landed in the opposite half of the draw and played Nadal in the semi instead of Ferrer.

but alas, nothing went his way. It was so heartbreaking to see because he came within touching distance of a M1000 title.

"If, if, if!" If my aunt had b*lls she would be my uncle. There are no "ifs" in pro sports, there are only results and in this Nadal/Nishikori match Nishikori was not fit enough to win. He is a 24 year old pro athlete for God's sake not some geriatric. He was the better player and had the game plan to beat Nadal, no doubt about it, but you have to be healthy and fit in pro tennis and Nishikori fails on that level all of the time. He is never healthy for long.

 

[Nathaniel_Near]

Somebody suggested Nishikori needs to do a lot of core strengthening work. I'm inclined to agree.

 

[sbengte]

"If, if, if!" If my aunt had b*lls she would be my uncle. There are no "ifs" in pro sports, there are only results and in this Nadal/Nishikori match Nishikori was not fit enough to win. He is a 24 year old pro athlete for God's sake not some geriatric. He was the better player and had the game plan to beat Nadal, no doubt about it, but you have to be healthy and fit in pro tennis and Nishikori fails on that level all of the time. He is never healthy for long.

Yes, captain obvious, I already acknowledged that in other threads that it is only his fault that he hasn't done anything about his fitness.
That aside, like it or not , there is some luck (or in this case whether you are the tournament organizer's favorite) involved in these situations. See my post above.

 

[cc0509]

Somebody suggested Nishikori needs to do a lot of core strengthening work. I'm inclined to agree.

He lifted his shirt a couple of times in that Nadal match and his core looks pretty strong and fit to me. I am sure as a pro athlete with back issues he is very aware of keeping a strong core.

 

[Rozroz]

Yes, captain obvious, I already acknowledged that in other threads that it is only his fault that he hasn't done anything about his fitness.
That aside, like it or not , there is some luck (or in this case whether you are the tournament organizer's favorite) involved in these situations. See my post above.

yea, all the Nadal phonies.
if it was Nadal having a tough match Vs Ferrer,
and then face a fresh Djokovic and gets injured....
lord knows the tons of threads they'll open.

 

[Nathaniel_Near]

He lifted his shirt a couple of times in that Nadal match and his core looks pretty strong and fit to me. I am sure as a pro athlete with back issues he is very aware of keeping a strong core.

And I suppose one could say the same of Federer couldn't they, except he only recently started to incorporate far more focused and specific core training or maintenance exercises. I wonder if Nishikori does those same exercises yet or has a focused enough regime for his core? Not sure, wouldn't like to assume that it's definitely the case.

 

[cc0509]

And I suppose one could say the same of Federer couldn't they, except he only recently started to incorporate far more focused and specific core training or maintenance exercises. I wonder if Nishikori does those same exercises yet or has a focused enough regime for his core? Not sure, wouldn't like to assume that it's definitely the case.

Federer has been doing core exercises for years as far as I know because he has had a back problem for a long time. His regime may have changed and become more specific as he has aged but I think he has always paid close attention to his core. As for Nishikori, you are right we can't assume but if a professional athlete with a professional trainer and a back issue is not paying close attention to his core who would be I wonder?

 

[rainingaces]

I think Nadal is more powerful than Uncle Toni. Maybe when Nadal was younger he thought everything Uncle Toni said was a good idea. But 2009 and 2011 taught Nadal that Uncle Toni doesn't always have the right idea.

Uncle Toni could not lift Nadal from the abyss in 2009 and 2011. Sometimes the extensively humble approach kicks Nadal when he's down. One often needs arrogance to lift oneself out of a hole. Since Uncle Toni is 100% against arrogance, it takes a while for Nadal to regain confidence. That's what happened in 2009 and 2011.

Unfortunately the same can't be said of his fans.

uncle Toni is the best in the business.

 

[Nathaniel_Near]

Federer has been doing core exercises for years as far as I know because he has had a back problem for a long time. His regime may have changed and become more specific as he has aged but I think he has always paid close attention to his core. As for Nishikori, you are right we can't assume but if a professional athlete with a professional trainer and a back issue is not paying close attention to his core who would be I wonder?

As far as I'm concerned, if a pro athlete is getting injured too frequently, then they are either extremely unlucky or are not focusing their training regimen in quite the right way. Nishikori busts himself a little too often, to the extent that it's become a curious habit. I don't believe there is any reason for him to be so brittle. If it's not his knee it's his elbow and if it's not his elbow it's his back. Now maybe he just is truly unfortunate but I can't help but assume that there is a lot he can do to rectify the typical frequency of his ailments.

 

[cc0509]

As far as I'm concerned, if a pro athlete is getting injured too frequently, then they are either extremely unlucky or are not focusing their training regimen in quite the right way. Nishikori busts himself a little too often, to the extent that it's become a curious habit. I don't believe there is any reason for him to be so brittle. If it's not his knee it's his elbow and if it's not his elbow it's his back. Now maybe he just is truly unfortunate but I can't help but assume that there is a lot he can do to rectify the typical frequency of his ailments.

Who knows. I think you hit the nail on the head, some people are just unlucky even when they do all of the right things.It is hard to imagine that a player like Nishikori with all of the money he has made due to his endorsement deals in Japan would not have the proper advice from the best trainers in the world about how to manage his body and weak spots. Maybe he is a hypochondriac?

 

[Nathaniel_Near]

Hmm I doubt that (hypochondriac). Sometimes oversights can be made (Djokovic). I can only assume that despite getting what advice he can, the correct formulas have still yet to be found. I think he will find a period of sustained health soon -- he'll do what it takes. In the meantime, he'll have learned a lot from his recent successes, tournament victories, finals and extra excursions.

 

[cc0509]

Hmm I doubt that (hypochondriac). Sometimes oversights can be made (Djokovic). I can only assume that despite getting what advice he can, the correct formulas have still yet to be found. I think he will find a period of sustained health soon -- he'll do what it takes. In the meantime, he'll have learned a lot from his recent successes, tournament victories, finals and extra excursions.

One can only hope. It would be a shame if he can't get it all sorted out and a waste of talent.

 

[bullfan]

Why is someone a Nadal "hater" if they agree? That is illogical.

I love Nadal, but clearly, well did you watch the match??? I've never seen Nadal play so horrible. I don't know what his problem is lately.

Of course Kei would have won, and won easily if he didn't get hurt, this is clear to any rational person.

Does this mean Kei is better? No, Nadal was WAY OFF, and the Kei guy, I've seen him a few times, he's solid, he reminds me of Djokovich except he stands in closer.

Everyone wants to know who is the next great player, I think he's a candidate.

Nadal played horribly. While Kei has a nice game, his fitness is just not there. His body breaks down too easily.

 

[tennis4jags]

Hey Guys, I think Uncle Toni gave his statement as a sportsman and we shouldn't draw something fishy from that words. Yes, in pro-sports "if & buts" doesn't play, otherwise loads of results would have changed either way. Being finalist, Nadal deserve to hold the trophy, IMO.

 

[Russeljones]

"We didn't deserve the win, our opponent did. Nishikori played better throughout the entire match. It's an unfair victory, and we have been really lucky. Rafa was very nervous, all because of the great level of Nishikori. The tournament was a very good one, with the exception of the final, but in Rome we will have to be extra careful. People tend to take Rafa's wins for granted. Only the dull and fanatic people are extra confident. I am neither of that".

http://www.**************.org/Uncle-Toni-Rafael-Nadal-didnt-deserve-to-win-the-final-Nishikori-did-articolo17932.html

Is this statement from coach is going to spoil his confidence or he just spoken truth?

Nadal Camp being humble as always. 100% genuine. Always. PC all the way.

 

[ROCKinCourier]

"We didn't deserve the win, our opponent did. Nishikori played better throughout the entire match. It's an unfair victory, and we have been really lucky. Rafa was very nervous, all because of the great level of Nishikori. The tournament was a very good one, with the exception of the final, but in Rome we will have to be extra careful. People tend to take Rafa's wins for granted. Only the dull and fanatic people are extra confident. I am neither of that".

http://www.**************.org/Uncle-Toni-Rafael-Nadal-didnt-deserve-to-win-the-final-Nishikori-did-articolo17932.html

Is this statement from coach is going to spoil his confidence or he just spoken truth?

He speaks the truth. Kei was treein' out there until he got hurt.

 

[booson]

I don't think you feel empathy in the least.

That's an obvious perception from a fan who's, according to Toni's words, 'tonto y fanático'.