Toni Nadal’s advice to Rafa at the age of 12 that changed the history of tennis

Probably no qualifying adjective is enough to describe the immeasurable legacy that Spanish has left. Rafael Nadal on the men’s circuit, although perhaps those referring to effort, perseverance and mentality are the first that come to mind for most.

In an emotional letter written on The Players Tribune site, the former world number 1, who recently hung up his racket after falling in doubles with his compatriot Carlos Alcaraz (3rd) in the Davis Cup quarterfinals, reviewed his most memorable moments. happy in the Tourthe secret of his resounding success for two decades and the legacy he wants to leave in the world, as well as revealed by the decisive advice he received from his uncle Toni Nadalhis coach until the end of 2017, at the beginning.

“When I was young I learned a lesson that is still very present in my mind. I’m not sure how old he was exactly, but I think I was about 12 years old.. At that time I loved going fishing. I love the sea because I am from Mallorca and, in my case, the sea is part of my life. It’s about the feeling of being by the sea, sitting on the rocks with your family and friends, or out on a boat. The disconnection and peace you feel is something special,” began the owner of 92 titles, which totaled 1,080 wins and 228 losses at the highest level.

Later, the double gold medalist at the Olympic Games confessed: “One day I went fishing when I could have been training. The next day I lost the game. I remember I was crying in the car on the way homeand my uncle, who at that age had a great influence on me and made me fall in love with tennis, told me: ‘It’s okay, it’s just a tennis match. Don’t cry now, it doesn’t make sense. If you want to fish, you can fish. No problem. But you’re going to lose. If you want to win? If you want to win then you have to do what you have to do first‘”.

“It was a very important lesson for me. If people see me as a perfectionist, that comes from that inner voice that spoke to me on the trip home. That voice has never left me. One day I may be at sea. Today and tomorrow I have to train,” concluded the left-handed man from Manaco, who won 22 Grand Slam trophies, 14 at Roland Garros.