In an exclusive tennisnet interview Toni Nadal reveals why Angelique Kerber has the best chances of winning the Wimbledon in 2018 and returning to the top of the world rankings. The uncle of superstar Rafael Nadal also talks about Alexander Zverev’s Grand Slam blockade, Roger Federer’s rightful “GOAT”designation and the Mallorca Open (18. till 24. June), where Toni is the Tournament Director.
From Ulrike Weinrich
Toni Nadal seemed relaxed and committed when he visited the “European Tennis Base” in Salzburg/Rif this weekend. The 57-year-old Spaniard speaks German very well and was not embarrassed in the city of Mozart.
tennisnet:”Angelique Kerber will be competing this year at the third edition of the Mallorca Open in Santa Ponsa, where you will be the tournament director. Do you think she’s the old Angie of 2016 again?”
Toni Nadal:”I think she is absolutely on the right track. In my opinion, Angelique also has a good chance of becoming the world number one again at the end of the year. Her successes at the start of the season with her win in Sydney and the semi-finals at the Australian Open in Melbourne gave Angie a lot of self-confidence, because she played really well there. She already impressed me. So far there have been few defeats, their 2018 record (19:3 victories, note). d. Red.) is really very strong.”
tennisnet:”Many experts have Kerber especially in terms of Wimbledon victory on the record. You too?”Toni Nadal:”Of course. Angie’s game matches the lawn perfectly. I think the signs are good that there will soon be a German Wimbledon champion again. Kerber has the best chance of winning this tournament and is one of the top favourites. I saw her narrow one-quarter-final defeat last year against Garbine Muguruza in Wimbledon. The Spaniard then became Wimbledon champion. If Angie had won the duel against Muguruza, she would have been the favourite for the title. She had a problem in 2017 because she wasn’t constant, but Kerber got the curve back and is in top form.”
tennisnet:”How do you rate the level of women’s tennis at the moment – and what do you think Serena Williams will do in the medium term after her comeback? And that’s the chance for a player like Angie. Before her pregnancy, Serena Williams was the big star and dominated. But meanwhile there is no longer such a super favourite as before. Especially since Maria Sharapova and Victoria Azarenka were no longer so present for various reasons. But I think that when Serena comes back, she’ll be one of the contenders for victories again.”
tennisnet:”How much are you looking forward to an Angie Kerber at the Mallorca Open, who will be hosting a press conference at the beginning of April? But I also think it is a very good opportunity for them to prepare themselves optimally for Wimbledon. Anyway, the spectators have the opportunity to see a great player live and up close.”
tennisnet:”A swing towards the men – Roger Federer rightly bears the unofficial title of GOAT – Greatest of all time”Toni Nadal:”Right now Roger is the best of all time. No one has achieved what he has. Rod Laver was also very good, but no one has won 20 Grand Slam titles, a Davis Cup victory and many other victories. Rafael also won 16 majors, triumphed four times in the Davis Cup – but Federer is better, he’s the best!”
tennisnet:”At the age of 36, Federer is again number one in the ranking. Toni Nadal (chuckling):”Of course I want my nephew to be at the top – not Federer. But Roger is of course an exceptional player, it’s incredible what he achieved at his age. He is a special tennis player, has a great serve, a great forehand. I think he can play at that level for a while.”
tennisnet:”Boris Becker is talking as a full-time coach of Alexander Zverev. Toni Nadal:”The presence of Becker alone can be good for Zverev. In this tennis circus it also depends on who says something – and how it is said. When a man like Boris gives something of himself, it is always something special for the player. He was a great professional himself and did an excellent job with Novak Djokovic. It could be a great thing for Zverev to have Becker by his side.”
tennisnet:”For Sascha Zverev it wasn’t quite enough at the Grand Slam tournaments. Toni Nadal:”Yes, I’m sure it will.” If – like him – you can win in Rome and Montreal, you can also win the title at the Grand Slams in Paris, New York or Melbourne. But there are also other players who can. I’m thinking Denis Shapovalov, Dominic Thiem or Hyeon Chung.”
tennisnet:”As agreed, they no longer belong to the coaching team of their nephew Rafael Nadal. Toni Nadal:” I was in my house in Majorca and of course I saw all of his matches. He played well, but he was injured. Of course, I now have a different perspective and perspective. I used to be the coach AND the uncle – now I’m just my uncle. I also spoke to Rafael before and after the matches. But I talked to him like an uncle, not a coach. Of course, the talks were also about tennis. I already gave him my opinion. But not the way it used to be.”
tennisnet:”Will Rafael Nadal still be playing at the age of 36″Toni Nadal:”I can’t say that yet. But if his body plays along, I won’t rule anything out. On the other hand, there are many young professionals who are moving up. But if Rafael sees the chance to win big tournaments, it’s possible that he’ll be playing for a few more years.”