Rafael Nadal told to COPY rival Roger Federer by former coach
RAFAEL NADAL has been told to copy the playing style of Roger Federer by his uncle and former coach Toni Nadal.
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The tennis icons are both still at the top of their game despite approaching the business end of their respective careers.
Federer's recent blip at the Miami Open allowed Nadal to regain his place at the top of the ATP world rankings.
And the Spaniard is thriving at present, winning the Monte Carlo Masters in style at the weekend.
But Nadal's uncle believes his nephew should play like Federer to achieve more success.
"I always liked the shots hit normally, the classic style," he told La Vanguardia.
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If I could choose, I would prefer Rafael to hit like Federer
"He needed to do it to beat his rivals, who were older and higher.
"He was 12 years old and was playing against 15-year-olds.
"(This game) helped him to win titles.
"But I never defended it.
"I like the classic style. If I could choose, I would prefer Rafael to hit like Federer."
Toni doesn't coach Nadal these days, despite the pair achieving success when they worked together.
But the tennis mentor has ruled out the possibility of working with Novak Djokovic, despite the Serb needing a new coach.
"It won't happen," Toni added.
"But it's difficult to tell no to Djokovic.
"He is a number one.
"If he is an educated person and would not compete with my nephew, I would be delighted to follow him in a tournament."