Toni Nadal steps down as Rafa's coach after 27 years
The world number one's uncle published a farewell letter in El País after coaching his nephew to 75 titles including 16 Grand Slams.
Toni Nadal has stepped down from his role as his nephew Rafa’s coach after 27 years. The 56-year-old published a farewell letter in Spanish broadsheet El País to confirm that he was bringing the partnership, which reaped 75 titles including 16 Grand Slams, to a close but also stated that he would remain active in tennis.
“I am concluding a happy period of 27 years that began the day my nephew walked on to my tennis court at just three years of age. Today I am removing myself from his affairs but my own journey will not end here. I will continue to remain involved in tennis because my enthusiasm and love for this sport, fortunately, remains intact,” Nadal wrote.
"My relationship with Rafa has always been easy"
“My relationship with Rafa has always been easy. Thanks to his manner, respect and passion I have been able to lay out my vision of how I understand this sport. Thanks to him I have experienced things that exceeded all of my dreams as a coach. I have travelled by his side to some wonderful places and I have met many interesting people from all walks of life. Today I feel hugely valued and loved because Rafa’s persona has made my own so much more than I deserve.”