Toni Nadal played a massive role to shape the career of Rafael Nadal. Identifying him as a natural talent, Nadal’s uncle began training him while he was just three years old. The two worked hard day in and day out to achieve success on the tennis court. Since his childhood days, Nadal went on to win several junior titles. Additionally, he carried that promise onto the professional circuit and went on to become one of the greatest players to have played this sport.
The former World Number 1 has beautifully described the impact uncle Toni has had in his career in his book, Rafa: My Story. Further, he cites an example where Toni took a leaf out of Jack Nicklaus’ book.
Toni’s advice to Rafael Nadal
Toni used the former American professional golfer, Jack Nicklaus’ advice to train Nadal. Nicklaus, in his coaching video for young golfers, said, “First, hit the ball far; then we’ll think about getting it in the hole.”
Further, an extract from Nadal’s book read, “Toni took the lesson to heart. His advice to his nephew, right from the start, when he was four years old, was: First, hit the ball hard; then we’ll see about keeping it in.”
Recently, Nadal returned to training after suffering from an abdominal injury. He was seen training at his academy, the Rafa Nadal Academy. The 22-time Grand Slam champion has recovered from his injury suffered at Wimbledon in time and is looking to mount a challenge at the US Open next month.
Nadal ends coaching relationship with uncle Toni
In February 2017, Toni announced that he will step down as coach of Nadal after that season. In what was one of the most successful partnerships in tennis, Toni felt that he was sidelined by other figures in Nadal’s team. Currently, Carlos Moya, Francisco Roig, and Marc Lopez comprise the coaching team of the Spanish legend.
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Earlier this season, Toni joined the Canadian star, Felix Auger-Aliassime’s coaching staff.
The post Uncle Toni Imbibed Golfer Jack Nicklaus’ Saying in 4-Year-Old Rafael Nadal While Giving Training Lessons appeared first on EssentiallySports.
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