Nadal prefers continuity to celebrity

DOHA - World number one Rafael Nadal approves of the latest trend of top players using legends as coaches, but says he won’t seek such high profile help himself. While Nadal’s rivals have employed Boris Becker, Stefan Edberg, Ivan Lendl, and Michael Chang - Grand Slam winners all - tennis’ leading player prefers to work with his uncle Toni. That’s not only because family is special for the islander from Majorca, but also because of Nadal’s self-description as a “long-term boy”. Continuity is more important for him than a celebrity whose experience may nevertheless help other players gain an extra edge at the top. “My idea of life and teamwork is to have continuation on all the work for so many years. I never fired anyone in my team since I started my career,” said Nadal.–AFP

ePaper - Nawaiwaqt