‘Saw Him Suffer’ – Rafael Nadal’s Injury-Riddled Career Triggers Uncle Toni to Reflect on Forgotten Past

“I learned during all my career to enjoy suffering,” Rafael Nadal once said in a 2019 interview with the American TV programme, 60 Minutes. Fast forward five years and Nadal officially wrapped up his tennis journey on November 19th at the Davis Cup. Although he announced his retirement on social media in October with a heartfelt message, few expected the GOAT to step away so soon. Over his remarkable 23-year career, Rafa racked up an impressive 92 titles, including 22 Grand Slam and a record 14 French Open. Yet, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. And it is a reality that Nadal’s uncle, Toni, observed from close quarters.

When he announced his retirement, Nadal shared that his body could no longer handle the rigors of the sport. “The reality is that it has been some difficult years, these last two especially. I don’t think I’ve been able to play without limitations,” he explained. His goal for the Davis Cup was to help Spain win one last title before saying goodbye. Unfortunately, that dream ended in disappointment as Spain ended up falling to the Netherlands 2-1. But if anyone knows Nadal’s resilience, it’s his first coach and uncle, Toni Nadal.

On November 26th, Uncle Toni opened up to ATP Tour about watching Rafael grow over nearly three decades. He acknowledged, “Of course, I saw him suffer. But I got so used to seeing him suffer so many times during his tennis life.” He recalled how Rafael battled through numerous injuries that threatened to derail his career.

Just this year, Nadal had to delay his Grand Slam return after announcing he wouldn’t compete in the 2024 Australian Open due to a muscle tear. In June 2023, he had a surgery for his long-standing hip injury. Later, he clarified that this latest setback is not linked to the previous hip issue from the 2023 Australian Open. “Many times he had bad injuries, injuries that looked like they were going to impair him and even prevent him from playing anymore,” Uncle Toni added.

His eight separate stints at world No. 1 were interrupted by 14 missed majors due to injury. Additionally, he withdrew from the year-end ATP Finals on six occasions. Here how the injuries through 2000s look like:

• He faced an elbow injury before the 2003 French Open.
• Dealt with a scaphoid stress fracture during the 2004 French Open. Sidelining him for three months.
• In 2006, a left foot injury hit right before the Australian Open.
• In 2009, he won Wimbledon while battling knee tendinitis. Injuries continued to plague him in subsequent years.

However, Nadal’s resilience and emotional strength resonate deeply within the tennis community. Those closest to him have “got used to it,” as they witness his relentless determination to bounce back. As Toni put it, “I wasn’t surprised to see him suffer a bit at the end. The truth is that even seeing him suffer, I think Rafael can’t complain because life has treated him very well.”

Nadal’s ability to balance his professional and personal life throughout his career is admirable. However, his farewell ceremony was criticized for being underwhelming. Jim Courier, a former world No. 1, proposed a more fitting tribute to Nadal’s legendary career.

Jim Courier suggests an idea to capture Rafael Nadal’s tennis journey

Rafael Nadal’s dominance on the court is unforgettable, but there’s more to Rafa than just his athletic prowess. He’s also a master of words. Speaking to Tennis Channel, Jim Courier praised Nadal’s ability to express himself in post-match interviews, saying, “The guy’s been so much to admire.”

Just to give you a glimpse, despite losing to the Netherlands’ Botic Van de Zandschulp in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4, Rafa remained focused on his true goal: representing Spain. He didn’t let this loss overshadow his retirement. After the match, he stated, “I just want to be remembered as a good person, a kid that followed their dreams and achieved (even) more than what I had dreamed.” This sentiment aligns perfectly with Jim Courier’s vision for Nadal’s legacy.

Courier expressed a desire for a book filled with Nadal’s insightful quotes from post-match interviews. He said, “I hope they’ll put together a book filled with just absolute gems and observations that he has done in post-match interviews because he’s been someone who sees his world and the tennis world and the sporting world so clearly and simply too.”

While Nadal already has a memoir titled Rafa, which chronicles his journey from childhood to tennis stardom, Courier’s idea could serve as a fitting epilogue now that Nadal’s professional career has concluded. His humility and ability to preserve, despite the situation, truly deserve recognition. Which moment from his remarkable 23-year journey inspired you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments below.