Rafael Nadal and his greatest rival Roger Federer have moved beyond the realm of sports to become leaders in society: Spaniard's uncle Toni

Rafael Nadal's uncle Toni has expressed his belief that the Spaniard has joined Roger Federer in the ranks of elite athletes who have transcended the realm of sports. Toni also acknowledged the Swiss legend as his nephew's "greatest rival."

Nadal is currently gearing up to take part in the Six Kings Slam exhibition in Riyadh, featuring in the star-studded lineup that includes Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, and Holger Rune. The 38-year-old will then represent Spain in the quarterfinals of the 2024 David Cup Finals, competing in the final tournament of his career.

In light of Rafael Nadal's emotional retirement announcement, his uncle Toni has paid a heartwarming tribute to his nephew's extraordinary career, admitting that the 22-time Grand Slam champion had far surpassed his expectations with his incredible success.

"Rafael’s career has been incredibly successful, far surpassing my expectations, even though I always had unwavering faith in him," he said.

In an article for El Pais, Toni asserted that while the 38-year-old's remarkable achievements had earned him the love and admiration of fans worldwide, it was his strong values that garnered him widespread respect. He also highlighted his nephew's integrity, passion, grace, and commitment to the sport as contributing factors.

"This success — his remarkable track record — has earned him the admiration and valuable support of countless fans. But what has truly garnered him such widespread respect and recognition, even beyond the stands, is not just the number of titles he has won," Toni said.

"It’s the fact that he built his achievements on a foundation of strong values, and his ability to uphold them throughout his career: his integrity, his exemplary behavior in both victory and defeat, the passion he brought to every match, and his unwavering commitment to the sport and everything surrounding it," he added.

Toni contended that while there were athletes who rose above their sports due to their exceptional abilities, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer were among the select few who had become "leaders in society" through their attitudes and actions.

"There are athletes who, due to their exceptional abilities, have become leaders in their disciplines; others who have magnified and even transcended their own sports; and only a few who, through their attitude and actions, have moved beyond the realm of sports to become leaders in society," he said.

"I believe, without fear of being mistaken and fully prepared to accept any criticisms that may come my way as his uncle, that my nephew, like his greatest rival for many years, Roger Federer, belongs to the latter category," he added.

"Rafael Nadal's victory at Wimbledon in 2008, in a legendary final against Roger Federer" - Uncle Toni on experiencing 'incredible' moments with Spaniard

During the same interview, Rafael Nadal's uncle Toni expressed gratitude for the privilege of witnessing the incredible highs of his nephew's career, recalling the 38-year-old's maiden Grand Slam triumph at the 2005 French Open and his victory over Roger Federer in the "best final in history" at Wimbledon 2008.

"Those were intense years in which I had the privilege of experiencing incredible moments alongside him: his first Davis Cup final in Seville as an unexpected debutant, his first French Open title in 2005, and his victory at Wimbledon in 2008, in a legendary final against Roger Federer, widely regarded as the best in history," he said.

The 63-year-old also looked back on the challenging moments, such as the diagnosis of Nadal's congenital injury, likening it to "a sword of Damocles" that caused him pain and uncertainty. Nevertheless, Toni took pride in how the 22-time Grand Slam champion endured all the "suffering" without any complaints.

"These trials helped him forge an even stronger character and caused him great suffering, though they rarely led to discouragement or complaints. For us, it would have been ungrateful to give in to either," he said.

Toni Nadal disclosed that when times got tough, he would encourage his nephew with the words, "Rafael, life has treated us better than we expected and far better than we deserved."