Even after all this time, it is still a luxury to converse with Toni Nadal (Manacor, 1961). His generous and composed discourse stands light-years away from the rush and shallowness prevalent when dealing with sports professionals. He speaks to this newspaper over the phone from Mallorca.
Question. Did Rafael ever think he could continue playing for longer?
Answer. He got used to the idea that even with problems, he could make things right. He had many injuries, it seemed like he wouldn't recover, but he came back to play. He kept waiting to see if the same would happen again. This time it didn't. It's hard for all of us to leave behind something we've done, especially if we've been successful.
Q. In this constant overcoming, do you deserve some credit?
A. Not much. It's different in terms of personal development, not just professional, I tried to convey to him that one must learn to endure. As Saint Augustine said: "Suffering is bad; having suffered is good." We all know this, even if it's not popular today. For years, tough training helped him, but it's his merit. It's easy to say, the hard part is putting it into practice.
Q. Since you mention Saint Augustine, let me remind you of this reflection by Seneca, also close to your way of understanding life: "Let us learn to increase self-restraint, to face excess, to temper gluttony, to mitigate anger."
A. I believe it's the easiest path not only to achieve great goals but above all to be happy. Everything you do without control in the long run is counterproductive and unlikely to bring satisfaction. I used to tell Rafael: "It's very difficult to control the ball if you can't control your will." It's not easy. We are unable to always do what's best for us. If we followed Seneca, we would be better off.
Q. Right now, there is a lack of edifying behavior in tennis. We saw Medvedev's spectacle in Turin the other day. Even Alcaraz sometimes throws his racket.
A. There have always been people doing strange things on the court. Always. Nowadays, there's a tendency to believe that one must show their emotions and that nothing matters more than oneself. Before, enduring, being discreet, restrained, worked. Now we live in a world where we feel entitled to do whatever we want. The main thing is to have fun, and this often leads to a lack of self-control.
Q. And also that gesture of cupping the ear to ask for applause, becoming more common.
A. I don't like it at all. When Federer made a great shot, he would raise his thumb up, stretch his arm, and lower his head. He never looked at the audience. Rafael's gesture was one of passion, of strength. Personally, I don't like the type of demonstrations you mention, but they have become fashionable, and many people do it. If Rafael had done it when he was with me, I would have told him, "Wow! Try not to do that!"
Q. Perhaps due to Federer and Nadal's reactions, many fans hold them in higher regard than Djokovic, even though he has had a more brilliant career.
A. There are players whose sporting merits go beyond their specific sport, like Djokovic. But there are others whose way of winning transcends sports. That's what happens with Federer and Rafael because life is not just about winning but how you win. Both have earned a higher level of respect.
Q. Your nephew said: "My uncle is a very special person, who thinks a lot and says things that are not common. You have to listen to him."
A. I'm not a special person at all. It's true that I tend to contemplate things a lot and sometimes have a different perspective from the majority.
Q. In the end, you won't be able to attend Rafael's farewell...
A. If they reach Sunday, I will. I have work all week, and it's impossible for me to be there. I'm going to Rome, and when I return, I have to go to different places.
Q. How was the transition of power to Carlos Moyà when you stopped coaching Rafael?
A. I was coaching him alongside Francis Roig. At one point, Carlos Moyà joined, and I felt that my contribution was no longer very significant. I thought it was good to leave, so I did.
Q. What was the most difficult moment?
A. The first injury, the one in the foot, at the beginning of his career. They painted a pretty bleak picture for us. But I never expected an easy life; I knew what Rafael had to face if he wanted to reach the top. I understood that adversity was part of life. In the end, he had many injuries, but I always told him, "Let's not complain, life has treated us much better than we expected and deserved." Many people have a hard time, dedicated people who strive, and things don't work out for them. The foot, the knee... But he had a very high reward, and it would be ungrateful to complain.
Q. He has always been called Rafael.
A. Rafa almost feels like a stage name to me. Neither I nor anyone in our family has ever called him Rafa.
Q. You said about him: "When a tree is bent, it's hard to straighten it, but since he was a child, he had an education like in the old days: he knows rules he must respect."
A. Rafael always sought advice and was willing to obey. His parents guided him well. He was world number 2 and had a curfew. Sometimes I would say to my brother, "When he's out in the world, he arrives when he wants." And he would reply, "When he's at home, I'm in charge." Education is fundamental, not only for someone to become a great player, although we see many uneducated people who are. It's essential for navigating life successfully.
Q. He never needed a psychologist...
A. The role of a coach is not just to point out how to improve the forehand and backhand. It's not what you say, but how and when you say it. Psychologists have a superior knowledge of the mind, but the coach, if capable, knows the player better and knows tennis. When playing, when one accepts that the ball can go out and everyone gets nervous... If one accepts it well... Some people may need extra help, but he didn't.
Q. I asked about the worst memory. What has been the best?
A. Regarding Rafael, the first victory at Roland Garros, the first Wimbledon, the Davis Cup in Seville... Personally, the best moments were at the Club Tenis Manacor, when we were trying to improve the forehand or backhand, or the serve, when Rafael was young, and we had the dream that he would become a great player.