Here’s a quick post-match interview with Rafael Nadal (the knees don’t need the tape!) and Toni Nadal (in French.)
I love watching Uncle Toni, even if I can’t understand what he’s saying (I did my best with the translation, below). And look out for some “Baby Rafa” footage towards the end.
I’ve lost a lot of my French, but luckily, Toni Nadal is pretty easy to understand. Here’s some of what Uncle Toni had to say:
On Rafa’s 6-2, 6-3 victory over Chela today: “Rafa didn’t play that great but for the first day, it’s okay. . .It wasn’t easy. Chela is always a tough player. But still, Rafa didn’t play that well.”
If he had a preference for Rafa’s next opponent, either Lapentti or Safin: “I never prepare him for one player because you never know.”
Interviewer: “So far this season, Rafael has been more offensive – playing more in the court. Is this something you want him to do also on the clay?”
Toni Nadal: “We try each year to be a little more like this. Last year was a good year for us because he played well in Wimbledon and Queens and this year, as well, in Australia. But the change onto the clay is hard. . .but it’s always good for him to play more aggressive.”
Then they show Rafa playing in Monte Carlo in 2003. Don’t really say much about it except it’s “Baby Rafa.”
In closing, the interviewer asks Uncle Toni if Rafa will win his 5th title in Monte Carlo this week.
Uncle Toni: “It’s always easier to lose than to win. . . I think he has a small chance to win it!”
You gotta admire Uncle Toni’s tough love approach. I’m sure he gives his nephew a “next to zero” chance of winning Roland Garros, too!
**UPDATE** Commenter Nev, has helped out with a more thorough translation! Check out in the comments section, below.
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