Tennis News

Rivalries of 2024: Fritz vs. Zverev

To mark the end of another thrilling season, ATPTour.com is unveiling our annual ‘Best Of’ series, which will reflect on the most intriguing rivalries, matches, comebacks, upsets and more. This week, we are looking at the best rivalries of the year. 

Taylor Fritz appears to have mastered his rivalry with Alexander Zverev in their Lexus ATP Head2Head series this year.

The American, who finished the year at a career high of No. 4 in the PIF ATP Rankings, strung together four consecutive wins over Zverev across the back half of the season. After a resounding defeat to the German in the quarter-finals in Rome, Fritz locked in to showcase the evolution of their rivalry, marked by stunning comebacks, pivotal moments, and relentless competition.

Rome QFs, Zverev d. Fritz 6-4, 6-3
Two of the qualities that have proven pivotal in Zverev’s ascent to No. 2 in the PIF ATP Rankings have been his trusty backhand and vastly improved serve. In his Rome quarter-final clash with Fritz, however, it was his forehand that made the headlines.

After falling to the court in the third game, which drew audible gasps from the crowd, Zverev steadied himself to secure a commanding victory. The German produced an expertly measured performance to limit Fritz’s ability to attack from his favoured wing. Instead, Zverev unleashed 20 winners himself and faced no break points throughout the match, according to Infosys ATP Stats.

“That’s the shot I either win or lose matches with. That’s how it’s been my entire career,” Zverev said of his forehand. “When I’m hitting that shot well, that’s when I win.”

Zverev would go on to sweep the field in Rome to clinch his first ATP Masters 1000 trophy since the Cincinnati Open in 2021 and pull to a 5-3 lead in his Lexus ATP Head2Head with Fritz.

Wimbledon R16, Fritz d. Zverev 4-6, 6-7(4), 6-4, 7-6(3), 6-3

Leading two sets to love against Fritz in their Wimbledon clash, it seemed as if Zverev reignted his momentum from their meeting in Rome. However, if there was a textbook example of a ‘momentum shift’, it came with Zverev’s double fault at 4-4 in the third set.

It marked the first time his serve had been broken in the tournament and it also ignited a heroic comeback from Fritz, who clawed back and sealed victory from a two-set deficit for the third time in his career. Not only this, but it proved to be a significant juncture in their Lexus ATP Head2Head rivalry, which turned a sharp corner.

“I thought it would really suck to be playing this well and to lose in three straight [sets],” said Fritz, who improved to eight consecutive wins, including the title in Eastbourne. “I had the belief. I thought I was playing really good tennis.”

US Open QFs, Fritz d. Zverev 7-6(2), 3-6, 6-4, 7-6(3)

If Fritz was going to reach semi-finals at a major for the first time, having failed in each of the previous four occasions, he was going to have to do it in style. Facing former US Open finalist Zverev, however, Fritz did just that.

With his skillful baseline consistently and tactful approach to the encounter, Fritz sealed a three-hour, 26-minute victory. In a fortnight of breaking new ground, Fritz then went on to defeat countryman Frances Tiafoe in a five-set epic to become the first American man to reach the final of a Grand Slam tournament since Andy Roddick in 2009.

“I feel amazing,” Fritz said after his triumph against Zverev. “I’ve had a lot of looks at quarter-finals in the past couple of years, and today just felt different. I really feel that it was my time to take a step further and it’s only fitting I’m doing it here on this court at the [US] Open in front of this crowd.”

<img alt=”Taylor Fritz” style=”width:100%;” src=”/-/media/images/news/2024/11/27/11/30/fritz-zverev-rivalries-us-open-2024.jpg” />_{^{Taylor Fritz in action at the 2024 US Open. (Photo Credit: Sarah Stier/Getty Images)}}

Laver Cup RR, Fritz d. Zverev 6-4, 7-5

By the time of their next meeting later in September, Fritz had won four of his previous five hard-court matches against Zverev, and the momentum he was now carrying in their Lexus ATP Head2Head rivalry showed no signs of slowing down. Although Fritz prevailed in straight sets, the match was yet another grueling example of their fiercely contested baseline battles.

Claiming his seventh victory over a Top 10 opponent in 2024, Fritz further solidified his reputation as one of the season’s most improved players. Down 2-4 in the second set, Fritz drew on his steady game to wear down Zverev, reeling off five of the last six games to notch his third straight win over the German.

“I think [our] games match up well,” said Fritz, who moved ahead (6-5) in their Lexus ATP Head2Head series for the first time. “I can serve and hang in there with my serve, because he’s very tough to break. You have to have a good serve to stay in the match with him or else he’s just going to serve you out of the match.”

Nitto ATP Finals SFs, Fritz d. Zverev 6-3, 3-6, 7-6(3)
Fritz closed his dominant year against Zverev by snapping the Rolex Paris Masters champion’s eight-match winning streak in the semi-finals in Turin. After a near-flawless opening set from Fritz, during which he won 18 out of 19 first-serve points, Zverev eased into the encounter to force a deciding set.

As had become a pattern in 2024, Fritz held his nerve in the demanding baseline exchanges, saving five all five break points faced in the third set to claim victory in a tie-break. The two-hour, 21-minute triumph was Fritz’s fourth consecutive over Zverev in their intriguing rivalry. 

“I felt like I played an almost perfect first set, but things can change so quickly when you’re playing someone like Sascha,” Fritz said. “I found myself in some tough spots in the third, when we both started to get on each other’s serves even more.”

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Basavareddy qualifies for Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF

Nishesh Basavareddy has qualified for the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF, to be held from 18-22 December in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Basavareddy is the seventh player to qualify for the 20-and-under event after an impressive end to the year. The 19-year-old has won two Challenger Tour titles and reached a further two finals at that level since October.

The American, who is at a career-high No. 139 in the PIF ATP Rankings, joins countrymen Alex Michelsen and Learner Tien in Jeddah.

Arthur Fils, Michelsen, Jakub Mensik, Shang Juncheng, Tien and Luca Van Assche have already qualified, with one qualification spot remaining. Buy tickets here to watch the eight upcoming stars live in Jeddah.

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Del Potro opens up on injury 'nightmare' in emotional video

In a profound statement he shared Monday on social media, Juan Martin del Potro went into detail about how he has coped with his injury struggles over the past few years. The 2009 US Open champion spoke openly about the difficulties of his day-to-day life, the limitations imposed by a battle-weary body and a desire as simple as it is valuable: to be able to look forward to a future with some quality of life.

The 36-year-old’s words came almost three years after his last match as a professional. On 9 February 2022, on the clay of the Argentina Open, Del Potro surrendered at the Buenos Aires ATP 250, where he said goodbye to his people. He was not able to advance beyond the first round, winning just four games against his compatriot Federico Delbonis. It was of little bother to someone who was waiting for the torture to end.

“When I played the last match against Delbonis… people didn’t know and I never said anything. The next day I took a plane to Switzerland and I had another operation on my knee. It was my fifth one. From there, I never made my operations public again,” he revealed, speaking in Spanish. “In the press conference before the match with Federico, when I said it would probably be my last match, that’s where I found some peace. It brought an end to something that was always there, that ‘Delpo, when will you play again?’, ‘Will I see you in a tournament again?’ 

“I couldn’t take the pain in my leg anymore. I told myself I needed to do this under the radar, in secret… If it works, I’ll announce that I’m coming back.

“I went to Switzerland, I was there for two months indoors in a village near Basel. They operated on me, I did the rehab and it didn’t work. After two and a half months they said, ‘There’s one thing left, we’re going to operate on you again.’ The sixth time! Afterwards, I went to the USA, I continued with the rehab and I was trying treatments between operations… I must have had over 100 injections in my leg, in my hip, in my back… They injected me, they took stuff out, they analysed me, they burnt my nerves, they blocked my tendons… Suffering that I have every day. And it’s been like that ever since that final day with Federico, not to mention the previous two years since the day of my injury. That match was to say, ‘Ciao, tennis.’ I no longer have any hope of playing again because my body won’t allow it.”

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Juan Martin del Potro (@delpotrojuan)

It was a constant battle for a player destined to define an era on the ATP Tour, at the mercy of a body that prevented him from finding any consistency. The former No. 3 in the PIF ATP Rankings, plagued by wrist and knee injuries throughout his career, never managed to shake off the burden most feared by any athlete. It would eat away at him as he searched for a solution he would never find.

“When I had my first operation, the doctor said to me, ‘In three months you’ll be able to play again.’ That was in June 2019. I’d signed up to the tournaments in Stockholm, Basel and Paris because the doctor told me to sign up because I’d be ready in time to play. I haven’t been able to climb a stairway pain-free since the first operation. The daily trip I make to Tandil, which is four hours, I have to stop halfway and stretch my legs. It often hurts when I’m sleeping. If I turn onto my side I wake up because I get shooting pains which are really bad. It’s like an endless nightmare. Every day I continue to look for solutions, doctors, alternatives. I still haven’t found anything. It all started with that first operation. Every time I think about it, it really brings up a lot of bad emotions. It makes me feel angry, distressed, powerless… But I can’t change it.”

In that constant state of anguish, Del Potro has chosen to speak out and share his story, seeking help from people who can identify with his situation, perhaps a light at the end of the tunnel that may give him hope.

“I feel like I have to tell you all how I am because it does me good. I’ve always had a connection with the fans and maybe this message will inspire or help other people. As I’ve said, my daily life is not what I want it to be. I was a very active guy, who really liked playing sport, not just tennis. Suddenly, they invite me to play football and I’m the one who just brings the maté [an Argentine infusion] and sits on the sidelines. Or they play padel and I video it. To me this is horrible. Also, on the sporting side, my passion for what I always liked doing, which was playing tennis, has been taken away from me.

“The obstacles that can appear in the road, such as injuries, which are the most difficult thing for an athlete, are one thing, but the emotional pain is another thing altogether. I felt very powerful and strong in terms of facing the obstacles that appeared in my way and that I would always defeat them, within reason. I was strong, but in the end I realise that I’m not sure if I’m that strong. I feel like the knee issue defeated me.”

However, the desire to compete that lives inside him drove him to the farewell from tennis he always would have wanted: on the court, with a great atmosphere and a legendary opponent on the other side of the net. As much as his daily limitations will allow, Del Potro is preparing for a goodbye in keeping with his stature. On Sunday, surrounded by his people in Buenos Aires, he will take on the most decorated player of all time, Novak Djokovic, in a farewell exhibition match.

“I want to be as good as possible for it, as fit as possible,” said Del Potro. “But it’s an event, it’s a show to say goodbye. There’s no going back now.

“I think that Djokovic is the finishing touch, he was very generous in accepting the invitation. For me, apart from being a personal moment for me, I would like to give him a lot of love and from the people. I’d like him to take the best memories of Argentina and his Argentine fans. If, at least for one, two or three short hours, I can have some peace in my leg and enjoy something on a tennis court for the last time it would be amazing. And being able to give you all, along with Novak, a beautiful moment, with love and affection, and for you all to have good memories of that night.”

This story has been translated from ATPTour.com/es.

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Skupski honoured in front of more than 100,000 fans at LSU football game

Although Neal Skupski has reached lofty heights in the sport, he does not have difficulty remembering where his tennis journey gathered pace: at Louisiana State University.

The Briton, who earned three All-American honors during his time at college, returned to LSU on Saturday. Skupski was commended for his efforts at LSU’s home football game against Vanderbilt. With 102,086 fans in attendance, Skupski also blasted t-shirts into the crowd.

“The ceremony has been amazing,” Skupski said. “This is my first time being on the field at LSU. To come back to LSU and celebrate me getting to World No. 1 and winning Wimbledon three times, it is really nice to be back. I saw family and friends and the tennis team.”

<img alt=”Neal Skupski fires off t-shirts to LSU fans.” style=”width:100%;” src=”/-/media/images/news/2024/11/26/19/41/skupski-lsu-2024-november-tshirtgun.jpg” />
^{Neal Skupski fires off t-shirts to LSU fans Saturday. Credit: Gianpaolo Nicolosi}

Skupski, the former No. 1 in the PIF ATP Doubles Rankings, partnered American Desirae Krawczyk to win the Wimbledon mixed doubles title in 2021 and 2022. Skupski and Wesley Koolhof won the Wimbledon men’s doubles crown in 2023.

Having partnered fellow LSU alumnus Michael Venus to two ATP Tour titles this season, Skupski will join forces with countryman Joe Salisbury for the 2025 campaign.

“We are looking forward to 2025 and the new partnership with Joe Salisbury,” Skupski added. “I think it is going to be good. We are good friends. We’ve known each other for a long time and I think it has been a partnership in the making. Looking forward to getting started down in Australia in January and see what happens.”

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Rivalries of 2024: Alcaraz vs. Zverev

To mark the end of another thrilling season, ATPTour.com is unveiling our annual ‘Best Of’ series, which will reflect on the most intriguing rivalries, matches, comebacks, upsets and more. This week, we are looking at the best rivalries of the year. 

It was only fitting that two of the standout performers on the ATP Tour in 2024, Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev, shared the honours in their hotly contested rivalry.

The pair met on four occasions, with Zverev turning up the dial in their final clash of the year, improving to 6-5 in his Lexus ATP Head2Head series (2-2 in 2024) with Alcaraz. Their rivalry hit new heights this year at Roland Garros, where Alcaraz and Zverev met in an absorbing clash.

As part of our annual season-in-review series, ATPTour.com looks back across the four encounters between Alcaraz and Zverev.

Australian Open QFs, Zverev d. Alcaraz 6-1, 6-3, 6-7(2), 6-4

Zverev and Alcaraz took notably different routes to their encounter in the last eight in Melbourne. While Zverev had endured a gruelling journey, battling through 17 sets to secure his spot, Alcaraz cruised through his opening four matches, surrendering only one set on the way.

Despite the physical toll of his earlier matches, Zverev showed no signs of fatigue when he stormed to a commanding 6-1, 6-3, 5-2 lead. On the cusp of victory that would secure his spot in a seventh major semi-final, Zverev began to falter under the pressure.

Alcaraz seized the opportunity with inspired shotmaking to win five of the next six games and spark hopes of an epic comeback. However, Zverev regrouped and delivered a near-flawless fourth set, landing 88 per cent of his first serves to cross the finish line.

<img alt=”Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz” style=”width:100%;” src=”/-/media/images/news/2024/11/22/11/57/zverev-alcaraz-rivalries-2024-ao.jpg” />_{^{Alexander Zverev and Carlos Alcaraz embrace at the Australian Open. (Photo Credit: Martin Keep/Getty Images)}}

The triumph was a significant breakthrough for Zverev, who secured his maiden win over a Top 5 opponent at a Grand Slam, having fallen short on the previous 10 occasions.

“When you’re so close to winning, your brain starts going and it is not always helpful, but I’m happy that I got there in the end,” said Zverev, who would go on to suffer a heartbreaking defeat to Daniil Medvedev in the semi-finals after leading two sets to love.

Indian Wells QFs, Alcaraz d. Zverev 6-3, 6-1

Alcaraz and Zverev’s clash in the desert will perhaps be remembered for the events that caused a one-hour, 48-minute delay in the early stages of the match.

It was not just forehand winners, 12 to be precise, that Alcaraz swatted en route to his emphatic victory over Zverev. The Spaniard was also forced to fend off a bee invasion, which required a local beekeeper to be called to the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.

“I saw the sky and there were thousands [of bees] flying, stuck in my hair, going to me. It was crazy,” Alcaraz said of the bizarre incident.

Upon resumption, the defending champion began to produce the tennis he has been accustomed to in Indian Wells. Alcaraz injected his trademark flair and eased past Zverev.

The young Spaniard would go on to defeat Jannik Sinner and Medvedev en route to lifting the trophy for a second consecutive year, extending his winning streak to 12 matches at the ATP Masters 1000 event.

Roland Garros F, Alcaraz d. Zverev 6-3, 2-6, 5-7, 6-1, 6-2
Both Alcaraz and Zverev overcame significant hurdles to reach the championship match at Roland Garros. Alcaraz brushed aside doubts caused by a forearm injury that had sidelined him for Monte-Carlo and Rome, while Zverev ended his five-match skid in major semi-finals to reach his second Slam title match.

In a pendulum-swinging contest, Alcaraz saved his most clutch tennis for the fifth set, during which he saved all five break points faced to maintain his perfect 3-0 record in major finals. The 21-year-old’s quality of return allowed him to limit Zverev’s aggression behind his booming serve. Alcaraz ran away with 12 of the final 15 games to become the youngest man to win a major on all three surfaces.

“It has been incredible work,” said Alcaraz to his team at the trophy ceremony. “There were a lot of doubts coming here and practising not too much [due to the injury]. I am really grateful to have the team that I have and the people I have around.”

<img alt=”Carlos Alcaraz” style=”width:100%;” src=”/-/media/images/news/2024/11/22/12/14/alcaraz-french-open-zverev-rivalries.jpg” />_{^{Carlos Alcaraz in action against Alexander Zverev at Roland Garros. (Photo Credit: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)}}

Nitto ATP Finals RR, Zverev d. Alcaraz 7-6(5), 6-4

After the heartbreaking defeat suffered in Paris, Zverev welcomed the opportunity to earn revenge over Alcaraz in Turin, where the Rolex Paris Masters champion was heading into their final round-robin clash on a seven-match winning streak.

Zverev, who had won each of his two prior Lexus ATP Head2Head meetings with Alcaraz on indoor hard courts, ensured he guarded that form with a straight-sets victory. The 27-year-old was relentless in all aspects throughout the one-hour, 57-minute battle. Zverev carved out eight break points, according to Infosys ATP Stats, and kept his serve intact for the fourth consecutive match.

“He beat me too many times this year in important matches, so I’m happy that I got this one,” reflected Zverev after his triumph.

Zverev’s winning streak and pursuit of a third Nitto ATP Finals title came to an end in the semi-finals, where he endured his fourth straight defeat to American Taylor Fritz.

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Ruud and girlfriend Galligani announce their engagement

Casper Ruud has started his offseason on a high note, announcing his engagement to girlfriend Maria Galligani on Instagram Tuesday.

“Can’t wait to marry you💍🤍,” Ruud wrote in a post that featured three photos of the happy couple.

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A post shared by Casper Ruud (@casperruud)

The 25-year-old Ruud was on court two weeks ago at the Nitto ATP Finals, where he reached the semi-finals. The No. 6 player in the PIF ATP Rankings finished the season with a 51-25 match record and two titles, lifting trophies in Barcelona and Geneva.

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Robson to be director of women's event at Queen's

Laura Robson, the former British number one, is appointed tournament director of the new women’s event at The Queen’s Club in June.

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Tien, Van Assche qualify for Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF

Learner Tien and Luca Van Assche have qualified for the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF, to be held from 18-22 December.

American Tien will make his debut at the 20-and-under event, having won three ATP Challenger Tour titles in 2024. The 18-year-old also enjoyed a run to the quarter-finals at the ATP 250 event in Winston-Salem and will compete in Jeddah against countryman Alex Michelsen, who qualified on Monday.

Van Assche is set to return to Jeddah after advancing to the semi-finals at the event last year. The 20-year-old Frenchman reached the third round at the Australian Open in January and earned eight tour-level wins in 2024.

Arthur Fils, Michelsen, Jakub Mensik and Shang Juncheng qualified on Monday and there are now two qualification spots left. Buy tickets here to watch the eight upcoming stars live in Jeddah.

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My Influences: When Alcaraz is playing, Rocha is watching

When asked which former champion of the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF comes to mind, Henrique Rocha doesn’t hesitate. His answer is swift and brimming with enthusiasm. Carlos Alcaraz, the 2021 winner.

The Portuguese talent, just 20 years old, lights up as he speaks about the Spaniard. Alcaraz’s electrifying style of play, highlighted by his ferocious forehand and boundless energy, has captivated tennis fans worldwide, Rocha included. The admiration for the 21-year-old World No. 3 is clear, and it fuels Rocha’s own aspirations.

The rising star hopes to chart a similar path to Alcaraz’s, beginning at this year’s Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF. Currently ranked 11th in the PIF ATP Live Race To Jeddah, Rocha is battling to secure his spot in the prestigious event with a strong push in the season’s final week.

In the latest feature for our Next Gen ‘My Influences’ series, Rocha sat down with ATPTour.com to share his thoughts on Alcaraz’s influence, the special bond he shares with his brother, and much more.

Which former Next Gen champ do you most identify with?
I would say probably Alcaraz. I think I play better on clay courts too. I have a very good forehand, which I think is the most powerful weapon in Alcaraz’s game. So I’ll say it’s probably him.

Can you recall the first time meeting Alcaraz or watching him?
I have watched him many times. For example, this year at Roland Garros, he was in the final, and semi-finals, he was playing great, great tennis. And I mean he is one of the best two or three players in the world right now. He is still so young. He does great matches. He is always so fun to watch.

I watched Sinner’s final five years ago at Next Gen and last year I also watched a bit of Medjedovic against Fils in the final. I find it fun in a different way, because we all are always used to six games and advantage and everything. So I think it is kind of fun to have the scoring a bit different.

How inspired have you been with the success of the others at your age?
I think we basically all know each other. I have had contact with everyone. Two years ago, I played with Fils in doubles. I think we had a lot of connection. I know them all. And I have already practiced or played with them, so I think everyone has a good vibe and a healthy competition. We are all young and to be at the Next Gen level, you already have to have a certain level when you are 20 or 21 years old. So that means we will most likely achieve good things in the future. That’s what I am hoping for, that’s what I am working for.

How inspiring is it to see the success of former Next Gen players?
Alcaraz and Sinner were a bit more premature. When they were younger they were already winning everything. But everyone has their path and I think the most important thing is to keep working hard and you will achieve your ambitions and what you want to be. So, they did their path and I’ll do mine for sure.

Who were your other idols on court when growing up?
I looked a lot to Roger Federer. He was my idol. But in Portugal, I would say that Joao Sousa always had this mentality of working hard and he was so competitive, so competitive. That’s typical for the guys from Portugal. And I always admire him a lot because he had all of that energy, that suffering, that working, and I admire that a lot about him. I try to follow in his steps. Now I have also been very close to Nuno Borges. It helps me a lot to be close to these guys. They are already on the top or very close to the top and I want to be there also one day.

How big of a support has your family been?
My parents are always my support but I’ll say even my brother, he always was and is by my side since I was 10 years old. He always pushes me a lot. Because he always knew I could be a good player. I have a lot to improve yet and he is still always next to me and supporting me. He is one of my inspirations and is always trying to look out for me.

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Toni Nadal: 'I’m happy that people have regarded Rafael as a good person'

Under the cover of his ever-present cap, always watching on from a distance, Toni Nadal has played a key role in the current era of professional tennis. The Balearic Islander, uncle and coach for many years of former world No. 1 Rafael Nadal, played an essential part in the building of one of the most complete competitors in the history of sport. The current director of the Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar, whose tenacity, common sense and determination were perhaps instilled in his nephew, spoke to ATPTour.com about Nadal’s retirement from the professional game.

“A few months ago Rafael told me that he was thinking about retiring. He wanted to do it in Malaga during the Davis Cup,” Toni said. “Of course, it was something that was more or less expected. We knew that the decision would come sooner or later. I found out a few months ago because Rafael came to tell me.”

The conclusion of Nadal’s career was one of the biggest events in sport this year and its social reach was impossible to ignore. From the most passionate fans to his greatest rivals, everyone came to the same conclusion — Nadal’s retirement brought an end to a period of their lives.

How does Toni feel about it? What are his thoughts looking back on a career that exceeded all expectations?

“I don’t like the word proud too much,” said Toni, with a great deal of humility. “I feel very happy about everything that he’s achieved, obviously on court because of everything he won. But, above all, the most notable thing, which really pleases me as a relative, is seeing how a boy who had a dream of being a great tennis player did everything possible without losing his way. He always kept his feet on the ground. Staying competitive within the limits of correctness. That’s definitely what has pleased me the most. I’ve loved seeing how much people have appreciated that.”

A few weeks ago, Carlos Moyà confirmed that Nadal could retire with no regrets, with the confidence that he had given everything on every day of his career. That permanent state of self-discipline, from training routines to competition, is a reality that Toni champions, having seen Rafa grow from his beginnings to become a universally admired figure.

“Of course he can go with his head held high,” said Toni. “After everything he achieved, having been there for many years, he has gained the immense respect of most people. He has left a good image at all the tournaments he participated in. I think it is clear he can go with his head held high.”

For Nadal’s last few months, the inevitable conclusion was always present. He was taking the final steps in one of the all-time great sporting careers. That road, after so many legendary triumphs, came to an end because of a body that had been pushed to its limits for years. It is a reality that Toni observed from close quarters.

“Of course I saw him suffer. But I got so used to seeing him suffer so many times during his tennis life,” he explained. “Many times he had bad injuries, injuries that looked like they were going to impair him and even prevent him from playing anymore. Because I got so used to that, I wasn’t surprised to see him suffer a bit at the end. The truth is that, even seeing him suffer, I think Rafael can’t complain because life has treated him very well.”

Now, after two decades of being an international sporting icon, Nadal will go through a transition as he steps away from the tennis court. The legend is complete — now it is time to write the legacy. Without the routines he has followed for practically his entire life, he now embarks on a new chapter. Toni is confident that his nephew will take to this as he has done any other stage of his career, like a duck to water.

“I think my nephew will approach his new life with complete normalcy. I always knew that all sporting journeys have their end. There are no sporting careers that last 100 years,” said Toni. “In any case, I think that he has been getting used to the idea over the past few months. Of course, retirement is a difficult time, but I don’t think it will be very difficult to focus on the rest of his life doing other things. I think he’ll probably throw himself at it with the same passion as he did any tennis match.”

There are so many memories of Nadal’s career for a coach who has enjoyed some incredible times, situations that are etched in the minds of the fans, which Toni witnessed up close. Among the collection of memories from a life on the bench, there are some details he will never forget.

“I’ll remember, of course, the [2008] Wimbledon final, the Roland Garros finals, the tournaments in Monte-Carlo. But above all, I’ll remember the process that led to Rafael achieving those victories,” said Toni. “I’ve said to him many times: If you don’t like the process, it’ll be hard for you to like the result. I always placed a lot of value on the process we went through. Since I stopped coaching Rafael, I sometimes remember victories from long ago, but also practice sessions at Club Tenis Manacor, when Rafael was still a boy, trying to improve his forehand and his backhand.”

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