Rafael Nadal (Photo : Getty Images)
Rafael Nadal's uncle and coach Toni claimed that he is the reason behind the King of Clay's unwavering battle to regain his old form.
Rafa has been continuously attempting to get back into his winning ways, but the 29-year-old Mallorcan has yet to fully regain his elite form, failing to win all the tournaments he joined this season. Despite the losing-streak, Nadal is still optimistic of his chances to finally play at a high level, thanks to Toni teaching the 14-time Grand Slam winner about always facing adversity.
"As a coach, I consider character more important than improving technique," Toni told El Mundo as reported by Tennis World USA.
"I think people who succeed in life are the ones who have perseverance. And it's what I wanted to inculcate in Rafa from the beginning. My goal was to teach him to be always willing to face adversity and overcome it."
Nadal's most recent loss was at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, where the Spaniard suffered a semifinal defeat against world No. 1 Novak Djokovic. Many may have considered the setback as another blow to Rafa's campaign to win his first title of the season, but the world No. 5 finds it as a positive news as he heads to the next tournament on his list.
"If I play against him it's because I am in semi-finals and finals, so that's very positive news," Nadal said. "Even if I lose, [it's] great news."
Rafa will have another chance to test his renewed confidence at the Miami Open, where the Spaniard competes against the likes of Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and a returning Roger Federer. The fifth-seeded Spaniard will have a Round of 64 match against the winner between Damir Dzumhur and Leonardo Mayer.
Meanwhile, Djokovic opens his quest for a sixth Miami Open title when he plays Britain's Kyle Edmund, who defeated Czech Jiri Vesely 6-4 5-7 7-6(6). Federer, on the other hand, sets up his first clash after recovering from a knee surgery against Argentine Juan Martin Del Potro.
