Toni Nadal is tipping injured nephew Rafael as a solid bet to make a return to Roland Garros in 2024.
The 14-time winner who turns 37 next Saturday is out of action due to a hip injury suffered at the Australian Open five months ago.
But the senior Nadal, who coached his relative until a few seasons ago, is confident for an extended tennis future for the Spaniard.
“I believe because I want to believe. I know that with each passing year it is more difficult to win, but I always believe that things will work out,” he told TennisMajors.
“It’s disappointing that (Rafa) can’t be here because this is the only tournament he has never missed since the beginning of his career.
“It was just bad luck that he couldn’t recover in time, but that’s okay, it’s a shame, but life goes on.” .
Toni Nadal’s title favourite list includes the obvious pair of Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz, the 20-year-old Spanish heir-apparent to his nephew.
Main photo:- Toni Nadal with nephew Rafa in their coaching days – by Roger Parker International Sports Fotos Ltd
