Toni Nadal has spoken out for the first time since Rafael Nadal was seen alongside a practising Iga Swiatek at his academy, clearing up rumours that the tennis legend would help coach the Pole.
Just days after her shock loss at the Miami Open to compatriot Magda Linette, Swiatek travelled to Mallorca for a week of practice at the Rafa Nadal Academy alongside new coach Francisco Roig.
Roig coached Nadal for nearly 20 years and helped the Spaniard win all of his 22 Grand Slams.
The Pole had been searching for a replacement for former coach Wim Fissette, who had filled the role for around 18 months.
However, whilst the purpose of the trip was for Swiatek to gain clay-court practice and further bond with Roig, Nadal was spotted courtside during nearly every practise – sparking coaching rumours.
Toni Nadal, the legend’s uncle and former coach, weighed in on the coaching discussion and gave a clear answer as to whether the younger Nadal will ever take up coaching.
“Swiatek asked Rafael if he could go to the academy, some advice and a coach,” revealed Toni Nadal during an interview with Mundo Deportivo.
“Francis Roig told him. And he, as someone linked to tennis for so long, likes to intervene, even if it’s minimal.
“No [he won’t coach], because his life is set up for other things. It’s very difficult. A coach has to dedicate himself 100%.
“My nephew has quite a few responsibilities for his own affairs. He lived more than twenty years on the courts; now he has many other things that require a lot of time, apart from the fact that he is very happy with the family, with his children.
Nowadays, it’s more difficult. I experienced a different era with coaches like Lennart Bergelin and ‘Pato’ Alvarez, who were very strict and didn’t allow players much say.
“I’m not saying it should be like that, but respect has to go both ways – and if anything, there should be more respect for experience.
“These days, it can be difficult to work with some players, and we’re seeing more frequent coaching changes.
“When things go wrong, the coach is often blamed, rather than the player taking responsibility. I don’t know any coach who tells a player to miss shots – if you fail, it’s your responsibility. I said that to Felix [Auger-Aliassime] one day: don’t look for excuses.”