In an interview to a Bulgarian TV the uncle and former coach, , recalled his good old days when he travelled around the world coaching his nephew. Sometimes I miss my time as a coach, said Toni.
I had the opportunity to coach one of the best players, who is my nephew. We had many successes together and time I spent on court with Rafa was very special. But for Toni, life is much different now than the past: Now I am at the academy and I love to coach kids.
And I am very motivated in this. As a Rafas coach, I didnt think of this as a job. It was important to improve, and a pleasure for me. Now that he is not a Nadals coach anymore, when watching Rafas matches, Toni feels not nervous as when he was a coach.
It was very stressful before and I even sometimes switched off the TV or turn my back to the TV in order not to watch. Toni also praised Rafas game and fighting spirit: I always knew he has a talent and that he is good.
Otherwise, there would be no successes if I dont believe in him. He has a very valuable quality: the desire to develop. Other players can repeat a stroke 2-3 times, and seeing it doesnt happen – give up. He (Rafa) can repeat it 30 to 300 times to do it.
So, its not just a talent. Мany people have talent but desire and patience to improve and to become better – not all of them have it. And of course – a very strong character. Even when he loses, he is strong, does not fall mentally I taught him (Rafa) to be strong and to fight and win not only in the matches but in life too.
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