Toni Nadal, on Nadal-Alcaraz: “The replacement will come later”

Tony Nadal wanted to give his opinion on the semifinal match of the Masters 1,000 in Indian Wells in which his nephew Rafa Nadal prevailed in a vibrant match against the also Spanish Carlos Alcaraz, who is called to be Nadal’s successor in tennis.

In his column published in El País, Toni Nadal recognized the difficulty that this match represented for Rafa. “As much as the Melbourne tournament has scored so far this season, the first Grand Slam of the year in an epic final and the Acapulco event, Losing this match prior to the final of the first Masters 1,000 of the year would have meant entering new ground. It would have been questioned if the relief that has been talked about (one with a record of historical significance and a damaged body, on the other fresh and with a great future ahead) It had already materialized.”

Uncle Toni also stated that the meeting reminded him of when Rafa Nadal played the final of the Miami Masters 1,000 against Roger Federer in 2005. “With my clear desire to motivate him and give him confidence, I repeatedly insisted on the difficulty that this match could mean for the Swiss, at that time number one in the world. Having to test yourself with a younger player who is being talked about as your possible successor always unsettling. Roger felt the pressure that day and, with great difficulty, managed to prevail in a match that was resolved in five sets. It is possible that this could also have happened to Rafael. The rival was not only younger, he was also from the same country and, with all certainty, the natural successor of him “of him.

Toni Nadal also wanted to review how both tennis players came to this match. “Alcaraz’s career had been impeccable. He had been displaying tennis at the highest level all week and getting rid of his rivals with amazing authority. He arrived without giving up a single sleeve and leaving evidence in each of his matches of that constant progression that, almost certainly, I think it will soon take him to the top of the world ranking. Rafael, on the other hand, had shown a more erratic game and something far from the level shown in Australia. He had struggled in the previous matches, to the point of being on the verge of elimination in his debut. Even without forgetting his ability to overcome adversity, The prognosis seemed to propitiate the victory of the player from Murcia”.

Tío Toni also commented on the difficulty of the wind in such a tight match and with so many break options and drew the following conclusion from the match. “I can only close this article with a statement that not only me as an interested family member, but also the Spanish fan as a follower of the sport should satisfy us. At the moment we have to celebrate and enjoy the coexistence of both tennis players. The relief will come later.”