'Rafael Nadal has never broken a racquet because...', says top coach

Rafael Nadal spoke prior to his debut in the ATP 500 in Washington and gave the reasons why he decided to join the tournament for the first time in his career. The 35-year-old Spanish tennis player and current world number 3, acknowledged that he feels fresh and ready to play the stops prior to the US Open. "Right now I feel pretty good. I've had some problems after Roland Garros, because of which I couldn't play a couple of very important tournaments for me, like Wimbledon and the Olympics, but here I am. I am excited to be in Washington for the first time in my life. I know it has a great story. I have been training very hard at home, but now I need competitive filming”, he commented at a press conference. “I'll still spend a couple more days training here. That's what I need right now: play sets, practice with professional-level players. I don't know how long it will take to get it all back, but the only thing I can say is that I am here to do my best at all times. I really wanted to go back to the States after not playing here for more than a year, especially in front of a fully packed crowd, something we haven't seen in a long time. It's a great feeling," he added in remarks taken up by" Break Point.

Uncle Toni on Rafael Nadal

World No.3 Rafael Nadal embodies the qualities of perseverance, a never-say-die attitude, and most important, humility, which make him the right example for aspiring tennis players to follow. However, the person who has played the most influential role in instilling the right values in Nadal has been his uncle and long-time coach, Toni Nadal. Interestingly, in an interview, Toni Nadal spoke about the reason his nephew has never smashed a racquet. “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,” said Toni, to his six-year-old nephew. “Nadal has never broken a racquet. It would be showing a lack of respect to people who actually have to buy the equipment to play the sport,” said Toni. It’s been a while since we last saw tennis star Rafael Nadal in action. Ever since his exit at the French Open this year, the Spaniard has missed the Wimbledon Championships and the Tokyo Olympics. However, Rafael Nadal is back on Tour now and ready to compete at the ATP Citi Open in Washington. The tournament begins on the 2nd of August and ends on the 8th of august. Here’s where fans can catch all the live-action involving the Spaniard. 

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/3jrwi5Y