Toni Nadal: "The Parisian public was not sportsmanlike"

Interview by Séverine Schlosser, Madrid. 07/05/10 at 7:15
Toni's uncle and coach of Rafael Nadal returns to two weeks at Roland Garros on the season and the goals that it helps every day to surpass.

Two weeks before Roland-Garros, Toni, uncle and trainer of Rafael Nadal looks back on the season and the goals of the one he helps to surpass himself every day.

France-Soir : Toni, after several physical worries in the beginning of the season, Rafael has won consecutive tournaments in Monte Carlo and in Rome. Has he returned to his best level?
Toni Nadal: The start of the season was indeed difficult but Rafael has worked a lot and at the moment, he’s in a good phase. In Monte Carlo in particular, he showed an impeccable game. What lays ahead of us will be more tough: he will have to confirm his good achievements in Madrid and then in France.

F-S: Last year, Rafael lost the Madrid final against Roger Federer. Would he like to confront him this year for revenge?
T.N.: (Smiles) Given that his goal is to win, I would prefer him to meet the worst players on tour. So, it would be better that he doesn’t meet Federer.

F-S: Right after that, he was elimitated in Roland Garros by Robin Söderling. What mistakes did he make that he shouldn’t repeat this year?
T.N.: Taking part in Madrid when he was physically not doing well.

F-S: After that defeat, you declared that the attitude of the Parisian public towards your nephew’s defeat was stupid. Could you explain yourself?
T.N.: Everybody has favorites and it’s normal to support those. What I don’t understand on the other hand, is that people show just as much eagerness to see the others lose. That was not sportmanlike (fair).

F-S: But it has to be said that no French player was able to win Roland-Garros since Yannick Noah in 1983
T.N.: It’s weird because France has some very good players. Whether it’s Tsonga, Gasquet or Monfils, they have an excellent level. I simply think that their way of playing is less adaptable to clay as opposed to the Spaniards. Besides, Tsonga made that very clear on the synthetic surface of Melbourne.

F-S: He also confronted your nephew in the quarter final of Miami. What did you think of it?

T.N.: When you look at the score, you get the impression that this encounter was very easy for Rafael, but it isn’t the case. Tsonga is technically very strong and dangerous when he reaches his best level. In Miami, he fought very hard and he deserved to win as much as Rafael. These encounters depended on details and, let’s face it; Rafael had luck on his side.


( I agree Uncle T .. those Frenchies better be nice to my man ..or I friggin swear ...)


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