The admission came cold, after the conclusion of the tennis tournaments at the Paris Olympic Games: Toni Nadal, uncle and former coach of the legendary Rafael Nadal, praised Novak Djokovic – winner of the gold medal at the Paris Olympics 2024 – calling the Serbian champion as the best ever.
In his latest article for the Spanish newspaper El Pais for which he writes editorials, Toni took stock of the Paris Olympic Games with regard to the Spanish delegation in terms of tennis. There were expectations for the Carlos Alcaraz-Rafael Nadal doubles but they did not get a medal. In the men’s, the medal was won by Carlitos, who beat Felix Auger Aliassime in the semifinals and then bowed to Djokovic in the final. A very hard-fought match. And for the first time Toni Nadal writes that Novak Djokovic is the best player in history.
First, the historic former coach and uncle of Rafa argues that we must have admiration for Carlos Alcaraz because we must respect a silver medal won by the one he defines as the best tennis player in history.
“The images of Carlos crying on the court with evident signs of pain and frustration have left us with a bitter feeling, but they must not make us think that this is a defeat. He lost a match that could have been in his favor, always giving his all, fighting until the last ball as we know he is used to doing, and keeping an entire team in suspense that enjoyed watching him for his great passion for tennis. His silver medal against the best tennis player in history (Djokovic – ed.) deserves, without a doubt, all our admiration,” is the definitive sentence of Rafa Nadal’s uncle.
Novak Djokovic with his hand raised in the air in front of the Eiffel Tower while holding his Serbian flag and gold medal. 🥇🇷🇸
🇷🇸 Novak Djokovic wins his first career @Olympics Gold Medal, joining Andre Agassi, Steffi Graf, Rafael Nadal, and Serena Williams as the only players to win all four majors and an Olympic Gold in singles! pic.twitter.com/YAaUkaozJd
— International Tennis Hall of Fame (@TennisHalloFame) August 4, 2024
About Rafael Nadal. As he had already made clear at the end of his adventure at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, he will not participate in the next edition of the US Open. The 22-time Grand Slam champion explained that he does not feel able to give 100% at the moment and made an appointment with all his fans at the Laver Cup.
The Spaniard will represent Team Europe in the team competition created by Roger Federer to pay homage to the legend Rod Laver. The tournament will be held from 20 to 22 September in Berlin. Nadal has not yet made a final decision on his future and, after the Olympics, he revealed that he will reflect without any pressure.
“Hi everyone, I’m writing to let you know that I have decided not to play this year’s US Open, a place I have such great memories of. I will miss those special and electric evening sessions in New York on Ashe, but I don’t think I would be able to give 100% this time. A special thank you to all my fans in the US, I will miss you all and we will see each other another time. Good luck to everyone for the always amazing US Open! My next event will be the Laver Cup in Berlin,” he wrote.
Below his post and the last post on the Spaniard on X:
Hi all, writing today to let you guys know that I have decided not to compete at this year’s US Open a place where I have amazing memories.
I will miss those electric and special night sessions in NYC at Ashe, but I don’t think I would be able to give my 100% this time.
Thanks… pic.twitter.com/FluGRWUzIp
— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) August 7, 2024
Unstoppable. 🔥@DjokerNole | #Paris2024 | #Olympics | #tennis pic.twitter.com/V2N40KyGd3
— ATP Tour (@atptour) August 4, 2024
No US Open for Rafael Nadal this year, but the memories of the crowd will remain forever 🥹🇪🇸🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/ciNw4UFeK9
— Olly 🎾🇬🇧 (@Olly_Tennis_) August 7, 2024
— ATP Tour (@atptour) August 4, 2024
The perfect timeline cleanse 💕
Rafa & Rafa Jr.Being a parent is the most important role anyone will ever have. And the greatest joy. This photo is the perfect example of that joy. Rafa being Papa to his little prince 😍
Thankyou to Nordea Open 📸 They are the best!#RafaelNadal pic.twitter.com/5l5UDUCETN
— Mary Gorgens (@MaryGorgens) August 7, 2024