Rafael Nadal's uncle Toni savages his retirement ceremony despite skipping it (2024)

Rafael Nadal had an emotional farewell as he retired at the Davis Cup Finals (Image: Getty)

Rafael Nadal’s uncle Toni has brutally admitted that his nephew’s retirement ceremony wasn’t good enough.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion officially ended his career at the Davis Cup Finals on Tuesday as Spain suffered defeat in their quarter-final tie.

Although Nadal’s uncle and former coach skipped the former world No. 1’s farewell, he watched from afar and brutally claimed it wasn’t “up to par”.

• Rafael Nadal's incredible career in numbers as icon says goodbye to tennis
• De Minaur details 'special' hang out with Nadal as tennis icon calls it a day

Last month, Nadal announced that he would be retiring at the Davis Cup Finals after spending most of the last two years sidelined by injuries. But his fairytale farewell wasn’t to be.

The 38-year-old lost his opening singles match against Botic van de Zandschulp to give the Netherlands a point against Spain. Carlos Alcaraz won his rubber to take their quarter-final down to a decisive doubles duel.

Van de Zandschulp and Wesley Koolhof - who is also retiring this week - beat Alcaraz and Marcel Granollers shortly after midnight in Malaga, officially sending Nadal into retirement. The Spaniard was honoured with a special on-court ceremony after his team lost the tie.

Nadal got to address the crowd, his supporters, friends and family while Spain’s captain David Ferrer took the microphone to honour his legacy.

Organisers also played a touching tribute video, reflecting on Nadal’s career before some of his rivals and sporting greats appeared to give him their well-wishes.

Toni Nadal wasn't able to attend his nephew's farewell ceremony but he claimed it wasn't good enough (Image: Getty)

Just in The real reason behind Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal never being friends

Stay up-to-date with the latest Tennis news Join us on WhatsApp

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Serena Williams and David Beckham were among those to appear on-screen sending parting messages to the 92-time title winner.

But Toni didn’t think it was good enough for his nephew, even though he understood the intentions behind the ceremony. Asked whether he felt it was a fitting goodbye, the Mallorcan tennis coach told El Larguero de la SER: “No.”

Explaining why he wasn’t a fan of the tribute, Toni admitted they could have done more. “It was obviously emotional with the support of the public,” he continued.

“I like the fact that there are images at these events. I would have liked to see images of Rafael winning the Davis Cup in Seville, of Rafael in the Madrid tournament, of Roland Garros or Wimbledon, because this creates more emotion.

• Emma Raducanu shares what is 'great for me' as she reflects on BJK Cup exit
• Rafa Nadal's X-rated reply over marriage, wife's tennis stance, retirement plans
• Medvedev retirement message leaves everyone confused as fans ask Nadal question

“I don't mean to criticise anyone. I would have liked something different, on the level of his career. As a family member and as Rafael's former coach, I appreciate the detail they had and the good intention. Afterwards, well, I would have liked something else.”

As for what he would have changed, the 63-year-old said: “Nowadays you can do much more emotional events by mixing music with images and Rafael is a guy whose images transmit passion and emotion. If they had done this, it would have been more up to par.”

Toni wasn’t able to be at Nadal’s last dance in Malaga because of work and only would’ve been able to make it to Sunday’s final, had Spain got that far.

“I had work in Madrid, today I'm in Soria and it was impossible for me. I saw everything on TV. I had planned to go to Malaga on Sunday, but I couldn't go on Friday either due to commitments,” he added. “I would have liked to be there, I would have gone if I hadn't had work commitments.”