Rafael Nadal will become greater player than Roger Federer - Toni Nadal reveals why
RAFAEL NADAL will surpass Roger Federer’s Grand Slam tally, according to his uncle and former coach Toni Nadal.
Rafael Nadal is back to his best after a stellar 2017 season in which he won the US and French Open and reinstated himself as the world No 1.
The Spaniard now has 16 Grand Slam titles to his name - just three shy of his great rival Roger Federer.
And with his knee injuries seemingly behind him, Rafa’s uncle and former coach Toni Nadal has backed him to surpass the Swiss.
"It depends on his desire and injuries," he told Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo.
Rafael Nadal struggles to keep a straight face recording promo
”But if his physique is doing well, he can endure a lot.
“I trust he will endure enough to break Federer's record of 19 Grand Slams."
However, he admitted it would not be easy for Nadal this season with the return of many of the best players from injury.
Novak Djokovic is expected to make the Australian Open, while Stan Wawrinka and Milos Raonic will both be snapping at Rafa’s heels.
“This year, there have been circumstances,” he added.
“Djokovic has not been at his best, [Andy] Murray either, Wawrinka has had more problems and also [Kei] Nishikori and Raonic.
“I do not want to take away from what Federer and Rafa have done last season, but when Djokovic won everything he also said that he was lucky he had not come up against the best Rafa and Federer.
“That helped him and Rafa has also been helped by these circumstances.”