Toni Nadal reveals what Federer and Cruyff told him to “be so good”

One of the key pieces in the vast majority of successes throughout Rafa Nadal's career has been his uncle and coach. Toni Nadal groomed his nephew from the beginning until 2017, and Rafa has always recognized the valuable role that Toni has played during his career.

In a virtual meeting with young tennis fans, Toni Nadal wanted to highlight the work and importance of coaches in sports, especially in the early years of tennis players, and for this he told an anecdote with two sports legends. “I've always listened to learn from the best. So one day I asked Federer why he was so good. He told me that he was lucky to have a great coach when he was little.” Toni stressed.

Following Roger's response, Rafa's former coach wanted to hear from one of the best players in football history. “I had the opportunity to ask Johan Cruyff the same, and he told me that he had always been very good, but that the key was having a good coach who taught him a type of game with players older than him, and that when he played with those of his age, he had to apply it “, Toni Nadal sentenced.

In addition, the now coach at the Rafa Nadal Academy admitted that he will never say that a young man cannot turn professional. “I will never tell parents something like that. You never really know if it will be very good or not. Being realistic is important, but having dreams is what differentiates us. I will not be the one to keep a player from sleeping. I know that not everyone makes it to the elite, but I believe that as long as that dream is maintained, there will always be an opportunity “, highlighted one of the most important pieces in the success of Rafa Nadal.