Toni Nadal has been predicting which competitions his nephew, Rafael Nadal, could win in 2024.
The Spaniard has endured a tough start to 2024 after what was a promising return to action in Brisbane.
Once again his fitness failed him though, and he was forced to bow out of the Australian Open. A hammer blow for tennis fans the world over.
Now seeking to make another comeback in the upcoming Indian Wells competition, managing his schedule for this year will be a meticulous process to ensure he is ready for the elite competitions when they roll around.
But which competitions does Toni think he should be focusing on? We take a closer look…
What Toni Nadal said about Rafael Nadal
It should come as no surprise that the first tournament that springs to mind is Roland-Garros.
After all, he remains a legendary figure on clay, with his monopoly over that particular Grand Slam renowned.
Now, speaking to Spanish outlet 20minutos, Toni has detailed another piece of silverware he would like to see the 22-time Grand Slam champion claim: ‘I still think that he will participate in the championship (Roland Garros) and that he will be the champion.
‘It’s always a very special event (the Olympics). I remember that Rafa told me on one occasion that the best experience of his life had been to go to Beijing in 2008 because of the atmosphere that was lived with the rest of the athletes.
‘I hope that he can win another medal.’
History dictates Rafael Nadal could have one last success in France
Roland-Garros and Rafael Nadal. One cannot be mentioned without then referencing the other. The two are that intertwined.
It is his competition, and therefore by that same suggestion, he is its champion. And with 14 titles and just three losses, the most titles that any player has ever won at a sole Grand Slam, that is a notion impossible to argue with.
When facing the 37-year-old on Clay, it is often a death sentence. Nobody will likely ever enjoy such domination again on a particular surface.
So, should his fitness remain when the French Open rolls around, it would be impossible to have anyone but him down as the favourite to win it.
His uncle, who coached him for 27 years too, is best-placed to make such a claim.
Whether it be Olympic success or a triumph at his favoured major, we are yet to see the end of Nadal just yet. He is too talented, and has enjoyed a career too glorious for it to whimper out in a mass of injury frustration.
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