For those who don't know who Toni Colom is he's that coach that was with Rafa at the Australian Open helping him with the hardcourts & he's a coach in Mallorca & he has a blog!
Toni Colom Interviews Toni Nadal
Toni Nadal, born in Manacor in 1960. Since his nephew Rafael Nadal is strong enough to grab a tennis racket, he worries about turning him into a better player and better person.
Toni Colom: Toni, I would like to say congratulations to you in reference to Rafa’s latest results in Monte-Carlo, Rome, Madrid and Paris, and in the same way for the sake of the excellent job done with your nephew. Rafa has become one of the best sportsmen on Earth. I must say thank you for paying attention to us.
Tell us… how did it start? And when did you realise that you could do an important chore?
Toni Nadal: I was the manager at the Manacor Tennis Club. At that time, Rafael was two or three years old; he lived near the club and one day he came. We played for a while and he was good, he seemed promising. I thought he was going to come back soon but he did not appear until he was four. He began to train twice a week. When he was 8 he won the Baleares tournament U12, which was an unusual situation. When Rafael was eleven he won the U12 Spanish Open. Later on he had some other goods results. I realised that Rafael could do something important.
Toni Colom: Let us get down to the facts. Honestly Toni, do you think that Rafa would have made history without you and your constant work and help?
Toni Nadal: Yes, I think so. Rafael has always been disciplined. Try to remember when you travelled with him. By that time, you began as a performance coach and he won 6 Futures, 2 Challengers and 1 Grand Prix. He trusted in everything you said. Now I still think that being his uncle helps because I put more interest and I also encouraged him to decide between tennis and football (his favourite sport).
Toni Colom: How would you define Rafa as a player and as a person?
Toni Nadal: As a tennis player Rafael is capable of learning fast. He controls the ball; he has a good forehand and a good backhand. We have a problem with the serve because he is right-handed and the movement is difficult for him. The best aspect he has is the mental strength when dealing with hard situations. He is disciplined, a normal fellow, kind and very enthusiastic when he does things, no matter what (tennis, golf, fishing, etc).
Toni Colom: During these 20 years working with Rafael, what have you learn the most?
Toni Nadal: By virtue of Rafael’s enthusiasm I have had the chance to improve and also travel around the world in tournaments. In a different situation I would have not had the same luck. I had the chance to meet the best players in the world in spite of being a club player. I could experience that, by working hard, people can succeed more than expected. I have seen good players that have not succeed for lack of hard work and I have seen other normal players that have succeed by working very hard. I lived with two relatives, apparently normal, my brother Miguel Angel and my nephew. Both of them have worked hard and they have reached the elite.
Toni Colom: How many times have you listened to other coaches the following: “Well, you see things as his uncle and that is why there is only one like him for you” Do you think you could have worked the same way with other players?
Toni Nadal: I have heard that many times and I do not totally agree. It is true that Rafael is polite and obedient. I believe that if a child gets used to work, everything is easier. Nowadays, children have difficulties to get used to work, they think they are “Kings at Home” and that could be our fault.
Toni Colom: It has been said that the coach’s image hangs by a thread. The familiar link with Rafael helps and reinforces your situation as a coach. However, what is going on? Do you find any solution for this?
Toni Nadal: I think that a good education based on respect and gratitude is crucial. This circumstance helps to make a constant and firm link in a relation. David Ferrer, for example, does not have a familiar link with his coach, Javier Piles, and he has been working with him for 15 years. It has been a valuable decision by David in this case. It is vital to educate players in order to let them know that, when there is a failure, the player is the guilty one and is the person responsible for it, not the coach.
Toni Colom: Do you find normal the current situation? Each player has a coach, and he is not allowed to communicate with them while they are playing. Sometimes, in less important tournaments they are not even allowed to watch the game because the court is surrounded by trees.
Toni Nadal: It is a bad situation for the coach and unpleasant for the player. Sometimes you are in an important moment, and you can not count on anyone. Imagine a match at the Australian Open, for example. I do think this must change as soon as possible. However, I find more normal, to have the chance to speak or do the same they do in the WTA tour.
Toni Colom: You still surprise me the way you keep your work style. It has always been focused on toughness, exigency and commitment. ¿Lo tiene uno tan claro como parece o tiene sus dudas pero prefiere no trasmitirlas?
Toni Nadal: Siempre hay dudas, me imagino que como en todos los trabajos. Yo siempre intenté hacer entender a Rafael que confiase en el trabajo, que para mí es muy importante y es en lo único en que podemos confiar.
Toni Colom: When Rafa was in his brief decline stage, just before winning three Masters 1000 in a row and another Roland Garros, did you doubt at watching Rafa in the same situation again, collecting trophies?
Toni Nadal: You always doubt; it is normal. I do not know other people’s way of working and you never know if others know more than you. Knowing the exam does not mean you know more than the rest. In this field, it is not enough to do things the right way but also better than the rest of the players.
Toni Colom: After such a good week, now that you have got Masters 1000 record and another Grand Slam, what is the next goal? What is the tip or secret?
Toni Nadal: The next step is Queen’s, which is the tournament that Rafael is playing now. We work step by step. I guess Rafael is excited about Wimbledon and the idea of winning another Grand Slam. I do not know if that is going to happen. As I said our next goal is Queen’s and the secret is working day by day, game by game.
Toni Colom: When you are alone with Rafa, how are your tennis conversations?
Toni Nadal: Our conversations are very common and sincere. Sometimes we argue and others we agree. All our conversations are focused to improve our game and performance.
Toni Colom: When do you suffer the most?
Toni Nadal: I suffer when Rafael has the match on the right way and suddenly it becomes difficult, I would feel considerably awkward if we lose in this situation. For example, when Rafael was playing the final against Soderling, and the score was 4 - 2 in the third set and he had a break point.
Toni Colom: Rafael has displayed (as he always does) his fighting values and also a great tennis; what does make you feel proud: his game improvement or his sports education?
Toni Nadal: I always feel more satisfied with his game improvement. I am very happy because of his behaviour on court and even happier when he improves his tennis game.
Toni Colom: Success, fame, victories, rewards... these things change the way of acting. Is it hard to work more, to let the player reflect about himself, to do self-criticism?
Toni Nadal: It is not Rafael’s situation. I believe that it helps him to work even more. As long as Rafael sees a benefit he will not feel discouraged. It is true that sometimes players give up when they reach this situation but, as I said, it is not Rafael’s case.
Toni Colom: Toni, how would you like to be remembered by tennis fans in the future?
Toni Nadal: Honestly, I have not done anything important enough to be remembered.
Toni Colom: Do you think that national and international associations, including the ATP, should find solution to problems such as, players paying money when they play the qualifying rounds in Australia?
Toni Nadal: I do not know if there is any solution for this. It is not easy to find more money for this circuit, but it is clear that it can always be improved. However, I do think that players should not be the least favoured. I do not think it is fair that chair umpires earn more money than players. Players must be understood in this sense as well. Unfortunately, tennis is expensive. Sometimes I feel shocked when people keep on fighting with no chance to succeed, but at the end, I think that I would have done the same in their situation.
Toni Colom: Let us finish by talking about the future, as far as possible. When Rafael retires, what would you like to do with all your experience?
Toni Nadal: I would like to help young players to improve their game. I think that without my help they will do even better; that is why I do not know if someone will be interested on me.
Toni Colom: Once again Toni, congratulations and thank you very much for your time and effort.
Toni Nadal, born in Manacor in 1960. Since his nephew Rafael Nadal is strong enough to grab a tennis racket, he worries about turning him into a better player and better person.
Toni Colom: Toni, I would like to say congratulations to you in reference to Rafa’s latest results in Monte-Carlo, Rome, Madrid and Paris, and in the same way for the sake of the excellent job done with your nephew. Rafa has become one of the best sportsmen on Earth. I must say thank you for paying attention to us.
Tell us… how did it start? And when did you realise that you could do an important chore?
Toni Nadal: I was the manager at the Manacor Tennis Club. At that time, Rafael was two or three years old; he lived near the club and one day he came. We played for a while and he was good, he seemed promising. I thought he was going to come back soon but he did not appear until he was four. He began to train twice a week. When he was 8 he won the Baleares tournament U12, which was an unusual situation. When Rafael was eleven he won the U12 Spanish Open. Later on he had some other goods results. I realised that Rafael could do something important.
Toni Colom: Let us get down to the facts. Honestly Toni, do you think that Rafa would have made history without you and your constant work and help?
Toni Nadal: Yes, I think so. Rafael has always been disciplined. Try to remember when you travelled with him. By that time, you began as a performance coach and he won 6 Futures, 2 Challengers and 1 Grand Prix. He trusted in everything you said. Now I still think that being his uncle helps because I put more interest and I also encouraged him to decide between tennis and football (his favourite sport).
Toni Colom: How would you define Rafa as a player and as a person?
Toni Nadal: As a tennis player Rafael is capable of learning fast. He controls the ball; he has a good forehand and a good backhand. We have a problem with the serve because he is right-handed and the movement is difficult for him. The best aspect he has is the mental strength when dealing with hard situations. He is disciplined, a normal fellow, kind and very enthusiastic when he does things, no matter what (tennis, golf, fishing, etc).
Toni Colom: During these 20 years working with Rafael, what have you learn the most?
Toni Nadal: By virtue of Rafael’s enthusiasm I have had the chance to improve and also travel around the world in tournaments. In a different situation I would have not had the same luck. I had the chance to meet the best players in the world in spite of being a club player. I could experience that, by working hard, people can succeed more than expected. I have seen good players that have not succeed for lack of hard work and I have seen other normal players that have succeed by working very hard. I lived with two relatives, apparently normal, my brother Miguel Angel and my nephew. Both of them have worked hard and they have reached the elite.
Toni Colom: How many times have you listened to other coaches the following: “Well, you see things as his uncle and that is why there is only one like him for you” Do you think you could have worked the same way with other players?
Toni Nadal: I have heard that many times and I do not totally agree. It is true that Rafael is polite and obedient. I believe that if a child gets used to work, everything is easier. Nowadays, children have difficulties to get used to work, they think they are “Kings at Home” and that could be our fault.
Toni Colom: It has been said that the coach’s image hangs by a thread. The familiar link with Rafael helps and reinforces your situation as a coach. However, what is going on? Do you find any solution for this?
Toni Nadal: I think that a good education based on respect and gratitude is crucial. This circumstance helps to make a constant and firm link in a relation. David Ferrer, for example, does not have a familiar link with his coach, Javier Piles, and he has been working with him for 15 years. It has been a valuable decision by David in this case. It is vital to educate players in order to let them know that, when there is a failure, the player is the guilty one and is the person responsible for it, not the coach.
Toni Colom: Do you find normal the current situation? Each player has a coach, and he is not allowed to communicate with them while they are playing. Sometimes, in less important tournaments they are not even allowed to watch the game because the court is surrounded by trees.
Toni Nadal: It is a bad situation for the coach and unpleasant for the player. Sometimes you are in an important moment, and you can not count on anyone. Imagine a match at the Australian Open, for example. I do think this must change as soon as possible. However, I find more normal, to have the chance to speak or do the same they do in the WTA tour.
Toni Colom: You still surprise me the way you keep your work style. It has always been focused on toughness, exigency and commitment. ¿Lo tiene uno tan claro como parece o tiene sus dudas pero prefiere no trasmitirlas?
Toni Nadal: Siempre hay dudas, me imagino que como en todos los trabajos. Yo siempre intenté hacer entender a Rafael que confiase en el trabajo, que para mí es muy importante y es en lo único en que podemos confiar.
Toni Colom: When Rafa was in his brief decline stage, just before winning three Masters 1000 in a row and another Roland Garros, did you doubt at watching Rafa in the same situation again, collecting trophies?
Toni Nadal: You always doubt; it is normal. I do not know other people’s way of working and you never know if others know more than you. Knowing the exam does not mean you know more than the rest. In this field, it is not enough to do things the right way but also better than the rest of the players.
Toni Colom: After such a good week, now that you have got Masters 1000 record and another Grand Slam, what is the next goal? What is the tip or secret?
Toni Nadal: The next step is Queen’s, which is the tournament that Rafael is playing now. We work step by step. I guess Rafael is excited about Wimbledon and the idea of winning another Grand Slam. I do not know if that is going to happen. As I said our next goal is Queen’s and the secret is working day by day, game by game.
Toni Colom: When you are alone with Rafa, how are your tennis conversations?
Toni Nadal: Our conversations are very common and sincere. Sometimes we argue and others we agree. All our conversations are focused to improve our game and performance.
Toni Colom: When do you suffer the most?
Toni Nadal: I suffer when Rafael has the match on the right way and suddenly it becomes difficult, I would feel considerably awkward if we lose in this situation. For example, when Rafael was playing the final against Soderling, and the score was 4 - 2 in the third set and he had a break point.
Toni Colom: Rafael has displayed (as he always does) his fighting values and also a great tennis; what does make you feel proud: his game improvement or his sports education?
Toni Nadal: I always feel more satisfied with his game improvement. I am very happy because of his behaviour on court and even happier when he improves his tennis game.
Toni Colom: Success, fame, victories, rewards... these things change the way of acting. Is it hard to work more, to let the player reflect about himself, to do self-criticism?
Toni Nadal: It is not Rafael’s situation. I believe that it helps him to work even more. As long as Rafael sees a benefit he will not feel discouraged. It is true that sometimes players give up when they reach this situation but, as I said, it is not Rafael’s case.
Toni Colom: Toni, how would you like to be remembered by tennis fans in the future?
Toni Nadal: Honestly, I have not done anything important enough to be remembered.
Toni Colom: Do you think that national and international associations, including the ATP, should find solution to problems such as, players paying money when they play the qualifying rounds in Australia?
Toni Nadal: I do not know if there is any solution for this. It is not easy to find more money for this circuit, but it is clear that it can always be improved. However, I do think that players should not be the least favoured. I do not think it is fair that chair umpires earn more money than players. Players must be understood in this sense as well. Unfortunately, tennis is expensive. Sometimes I feel shocked when people keep on fighting with no chance to succeed, but at the end, I think that I would have done the same in their situation.
Toni Colom: Let us finish by talking about the future, as far as possible. When Rafael retires, what would you like to do with all your experience?
Toni Nadal: I would like to help young players to improve their game. I think that without my help they will do even better; that is why I do not know if someone will be interested on me.
Toni Colom: Once again Toni, congratulations and thank you very much for your time and effort.
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