Toni Nadal, the uncle and coach of Rafael Nadal, hopes his nephew can win a 10th French Open in 2015 although he admitted that the family’s Roland Garros monopoly was becoming “more and more difficult”.
“What I hope now for him is to win it for a 10th time,” said Toni after his 28-year-old nephew claimed a ninth crown with a four-set triumph over Novak Djokovic on Sunday.
“But I know that it will be more and more difficult, even almost impossible. Each year the chances of victory are reduced. Next year, we will arrive with the fear of losing, telling ourselves it’ll be really hard.”
Toni Nadal, who has guided his nephew’s career since his childhood, saluted the latest achievement which took him to 14 Grand Slam titles, just three off the record of 17 held by Roger Federer.
“To win here nine times is incredible especially when he has played the best players in the world,” said Toni.
“Happily the match today was over in four sets because Rafael was cramping in his calf. He was really tired.”
Djokovic’s coach Marian Vajda said his player was lacking some of his usual confidence as well as the accuracy of his return of serve.
“Rafa really served well. He raised his level as the match went on. Novak was a little nervous, he had a few doubts and this cannot be done against Nadal,” said Vajda who added that the Serb was suffering stomach trouble late in the match.