Rafael Nadal’s tennis career might be winding down, but the legacy he’s left behind is nothing short of extraordinary. With 22 Grand Slam titles and countless other accolades, the Spanish maestro has etched his name as one of the most celebrated figures in the sport. But beyond the jaw-dropping stats and trophies, there’s something about Nadal that truly sets him apart—his humility. And who better to highlight this trait than his uncle and former coach, Toni Nadal?

The Spanish tennis sensation bowed down at the Davis Cup Finals on November 19 after facing defeat against Netherlands’ Botic van de Zandschulp in straight sets 6-4, 6-4. This not only ended his winning streak of 20 years and 29 consecutive wins in the tournament but also brought an end to his glorious career. Tributes have continued to pour in since then and now expressing pride over his humble nature is his uncle, Toni. 

The 63-year-old tennis coach engaged in an interaction with ATPTour.com and deliberated on a wide range of factors including Nadal’s professional life and retirement. When asked about his feelings on Nadal’s remarkable career, Toni let his true sentiments out. “I don’t like the word proud too much. I feel very happy about everything that he’s achieved, obviously on the court because of everything he won,” he said.

Indeed! Rafa has emerged victorious in all four Grand Slams in his life. Besides, he also clinched the Olympic Gold Medal in the singles category in 2008, and in the doubles category in 2016. Adding to his achievements is his contribution to his team in the Davis Cup, where he was part of the winning side five times. But for his uncle, these achievements come secondary as he highlights that he is more proud of Rafa’s traits as a human being. 

“Above all, the most notable thing, which really pleases me as a relative, is seeing how a boy who had a dream of being a great tennis player did everything possible without losing his way. He always kept his feet on the ground. Staying competitive within the limits of correctness. That’s definitely what has pleased me the most. I’ve loved seeing how much people have appreciated that,” Toni added. Remember, Uncle Toni was one of those people who intrigued the Spanish great for tennis. In fact, it was Toni who introduced Nadal to tennis when he was just 3 and continued to remain his coach for a major portion of his life until 2017. And interestingly, Toni has a great role to play when it comes to Nadal’s disciplined nature on the courts.

For instance, Toni Nadal once warned his nephew that if he ever broke a racquet in anger, their coaching relationship would be over. “You throw one racket and I’m no longer your coach. There are millions of kids in the world who would love a racket and don’t have one,” he said to a 6-year-old Rafa. It seems that the tennis legend took his uncle’s teachings extremely seriously and continued to evolve as one of the most celebrated players in tennis history. This, however, is not the first time when Nadal’s humility has been praised in such a way. 

In an interview with Serving Aces podcast, former American player, Alexandra Stevenson echoed similar feelings. “Nadal has the humility and the grit, his humility allowed him to adapt to his opponents on the court and not be stubborn and that’s like a huge trait,” she said. “Nadal had the biggest heart out of the Big Four. He wouldn’t allow himself to go down in a match because he was different,” Stevenson added further.  Coming back to his relationship with Uncle Toni, Rafael Nadal has also shared a similar admiration for him. 

When Rafael Nadal highlighted how his uncle shaped his tennis career

Rafael Nadal has never failed to admire his uncle for the role he played in the Spaniard’s life and the guidance he provided to him. During an interview in 2020, when Nadal was questioned about the most important person in his life, he categorically mentioned his Uncle’s name. 

“Toni, sportingly speaking, is the most important person in my life without any doubt, without Toni, I would not even be a tennis player. It was he who decided I wanted to step aside and focus more on the Academy or be more at home.” It was probably for this reason that Toni Nadal also found a special mention in Rafa’s farewell speech in Spain. 

Thanking his uncle for his contributions, Nadal said, “I had the luck that I had my uncle who was a tennis coach in my village when I was a very, very small kid. And I had a great family that I had the chance to support me in every single moment.” These admirations for each other highlight that although Nadal has bid adieu to the tennis world, the bond he shares with his uncle has continued to remain special. And as we reflect on Nadal’s legacy, it’s clear his greatness extends far beyond the white lines of the court.