Rafael Nadal was wrong to hint he may be too old to catch Roger Federer’s Grand Slam record, according to his uncle Toni.
The world No 2 scooped his 19th major tournament win by beating Daniil Medvedev in the US Open final on Sunday.
Nadal, 33, is just one Grand Slam behind Federer’s all-time record and his uncle and former coach Toni believes the tally is totally catchable.
“I thought the match was closer to Medvedev than Rafael,” Toni Nadal told La Sexta.
“I understand Rafael’s tears after the nerves he went through, after being aware that he could have lost.
“When he says he is old, he jokes. He has strength and desire to overcome Federer’s 20.
“He knows it’s not easy, but I do not think that getting older will not allow him not to reach Federer.”
Nadal broke down in tears while inside the Arthur Ashe Stadium as all of his previous Grand Slam achievements were shown on the big screen.
He then admitted he was old and it may be difficult to win more – a statement Toni Nadal does not agree with.
Rafael Nadal said: “Well, we are getting old (smiling).
“In some way that’s good. See all the things I went through, be able to still being here is so special for me.
“I went through some tough moments, physically especially.
“When you have physical issues, then mentally things became much more difficult, no?
“The emotions have been there watching all the success, all the moments that came to my mind in that moment. Yeah, I tried to hold the emotion, but some moments was impossible.”
Nadal is not back in action until next weekend when he joins Federer at the Laver Cup.
