“Mentally more aggressive ” – Toni Nadal highlights Rafa’s strengths when compared to Barcelona uncle in throwback interview

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5 years ago

Rafael Nadal in action during the French Open last year. (Getty Images)

Rafael Nadal is the winner of a record 12 French Open titles

Spanish ace Rafael Nadal is known for his mental strength and fighting spirit on the court.

The Spanish star burst into the professional scene as a teenager and has never had to look back.

The grit and never-dying fighting spirit Nadal displays is no fluke. The Spaniard is a natural athlete and comes from a sporting family.

Rafael Nadal goes full stretch at the French Open last year. (Getty Images)

Nadal has two uncles from his paternal side. He is the nephew of Miguel Angel Nadal, who played for Barcelona and Spain and built a reputation as an uncompromising defender.

The other is Miguel’s elder brother and Nadal’s first-ever coach Toni Nadal. Nadal’s undying spirit and mental strength were reflective from a young age, according to Toni.

In a throwback interview by Trans World Sport back in April 2003, Toni talks about the similarities between Nadal and his uncle Miguel.

Toni also says that between the two of them Rafael was the more aggressive one.

“Both of them are very disciplined in sport and in life in general. I think that’s one standout quality they share.

“They’re both willing to make sacrifices for their sport but I think Rafael is more straightforward than his uncle. I’d say Rafael is mentally more aggressive than Miguel Angel,” said Toni.

Miguel Angel was one of the members of the so-called ‘Dream Team’ era that won five league titles, two Copa Del Rey and the 1992 European Cup.

He played over 19 seasons for the Catalans and featured in 492 matches for them. He also represented Spain in three World Cups (1994, 1998, 2002) and at Euro 1996.

Miguel Angel Nadal of Spain in action against South Africa in the 2002 World Cup Group Stage match. Getty Images)

Tennis wasn’t Nadal’s only sporting interest

Coming from a sporting family, tennis alone wasn’t Nadal’s only interest. In fact, he used to play more football than tennis during his childhood days.

“I love football. I played it seriously until I was 11 or 12 and liked it just as much as tennis maybe more and I still love watching it on TV more than I do watching tennis.”

Rafael Nadal hits a forehand in the quarterfinals of the recently concluded Mexico Open. (Getty Images)

Nadal is quite a regular during the ‘El Classico’ matches that are played between Barcelona and Real Madrid.

The Spaniard could be seen rooting for Madrid from the boxes and was also recently seen in the last match between the sides.