After Rafael Nadal announced his imminent retirement this week, Toni Nadal has been busy analyzing his nephew’s incredible career.
The inevitable but no less difficult news of Rafael Nadal’s retirement was announced on Thursday, sending the tennis world into another state of mourning.
With Roger Federer having called it quits at the Laver Cup two years ago and Andy Murray ending his tennis journey at the Paris Olympics, a totally new era is more or less bedding in.
Novak Djokovic claimed a ‘big part’ of him has left the sport after his ‘Big Four’ colleagues have nearly all retired from the game.
Now, with Nadal’s career being carefully rummaged through, Toni Nadal has been asked about his nephew’s earnings compared to that of Serena Williams.
READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Rafael Nadal as the 14-time French Open winner announces retirement
In Nadal’s retirement announcement video, he paid tribute to his uncle, saying he was the “real reason he started playing tennis,” before thanking him for guiding him through “difficult” situations.
With Williams having earned more than Nadal, his uncle explained how male players didn’t prioritize prize money earnings due to their substantial income from endorsements.
In an interview with Marca, Toni Nadal reflected on his nephew’s illustrious career compared to that of Williams.
“Serena Williams and Sharapova earned more than Rafael and they deserved it because they generated it. I prefer to watch women’s tennis than men’s tennis because I don’t see anything in men’s tennis. I like the points to last longer.”
“For some players like Alcaraz, Sinner, Rafa or Federer it doesn’t matter because they already have a lot of income outside of tennis,” he continued.
“My nephew never thought about how much money he earned in tournaments. I remember one year in Australia, he was partnered with Tommy Robredo and wanted to retire. Robredo said there was a lot of money and Rafael retired.”
Nadal has long embodied the nobility of tennis, exemplifying sportsmanship, humility, and respect for his opponents.
His relentless work ethic, never-say-die attitude, and ability to win with grace and lose with dignity have made him a role model both on and off the court.
An outpouring of responses from the tennis world has seen so many players react to the news, most notably being Roger Federer who sent Nadal a moving retirement message.
Nadal’s fierce competitiveness is always tempered by his deep respect for the game’s traditions and values.
Whether in victory or defeat, he carries himself with unmatched humility, inspiring players and fans alike. His career is a testament to the power of dedication, integrity, and passion in sport.
