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Toni Nadal introduced his nephew Rafa to tennis at three or four, teaching him how to play and always draw the most from himself. Following every success or notable result, Toni would show the list of previous champions from that event, explaining to Rafa that many are not in the game anymore, as they did not work hard enough or had his opportunities.
Toni stayed with Rafa until 2017, with Carlos Moya replacing him as Rafa's coach. Toni returned to Mallorca, working with kids before embracing a new role in Felix Auger-Aliassime's team. Speaking about his nephew, Toni said he quit after sensing he couldn't do anything more for Rafa's game.
Giving 120% every time, Rafa embraced a pro career at 15, moving to the verge of the top-200 by the end of 2003. In 2004, the young Spaniard toppled world no. 1 Roger Federer in Miami in straight sets and claimed the first ATP title in Sopot in August.
Preparing his assault on the ATP throne, Nadal claimed the first Major trophy and four Masters 1000 crowns in 2005, becoming world no. 2 and Roger Federer's closest rival. The rest is pretty much history, and Rafa stands among the best players ever after adding 22 Majors and 36 Masters 1000 trophies to his collection.
Over the years, the clay warrior has experienced incredible battles with Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and many other rivals from the top, suffering severe losses and enjoying brilliant victories while never forgetting his uncle's first lessons.
Toni Nadal stayed with his nephew Rafa until 2017.
Nadal has not thrown a racquet despite spending over three decades on the tennis court, learning how to channel his frustration and turn it into his strength. Toni and Rafa claimed their last Major crown together at the 2017 Roland Garros, with Toni ending his mission as one of the most accomplished coaches of all time.
At the beginning of 2017, Carlos Moya joined Nadal's coaching staff, replacing Toni and leading Rafa toward more success in the next three years. Nadal added two Major titles to his tally in 2022 before slowing down due to injuries.
The veteran plans to return to action next year and end his incredible career on his terms. "I had come to believe that my contribution was no longer necessary. I have been a very demanding coach all my life; my goal was always to educate Rafa to demand everything from himself.
The job of a trainer is to make yourself dispensable; I think I did it. I was fortunate to train a great player, who is also my nephew. I enjoyed that, and I feel grateful for it too. But I like to teach children, like now in Manacor because I feel I can give them more than my nephew," Toni Nadal said.