Tennis icon Rafael Nadal’s uncle and former coach, Toni Nadal, has stirred controversy by calling for significant changes to make the sport “less aggressive.” The 64-year-old suggested that reducing racket sizes could potentially lower the risk of injuries, especially considering the demanding schedule players face. However, implementing such adjustments could disrupt the established hierarchy as players would need to adapt their techniques extensively.
Toni has also emphasized that tennis has shifted towards a focus on sheer power, positioning himself as a prominent critic within the sport. He expressed concerns about the escalating speed of the ball during matches, attributing injuries not to match frequency but to the intensity and force of player movements. He lamented the scarcity of strategic players like Federico Coria or Gaston Gaudio in the current landscape.
In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, the outspoken former coach stated, “The game has become a competition of sheer power, leading to increased risks of injuries due to rapid and forceful movements on the court. Slowing down the pace of the game could be a beneficial approach.”
Contrary to his uncle’s views, Rafael Nadal has long advocated for using smaller rackets in tennis, arguing that it would make the sport more accessible for amateurs while adding complexity for professionals, ultimately reducing the sport’s physical intensity.
Toni Nadal cast doubt on the likelihood of tennis authorities addressing his concerns, noting the sport’s resistance to change, which he believes favors maintaining the status quo to benefit top players. Drawing parallels with football’s evolution post-Italia ’90 World Cup, he highlighted how rule changes in football enhanced the spectacle and gameplay dynamics.
Toni Nadal guided his nephew Rafael to 14 Grand Slam victories until their partnership concluded in 2017. Despite their success, Rafael Nadal never clinched an ATP Finals title, which Toni attributes in part to the sport’s reluctance to innovate. He underscored the need for tennis to evolve akin to football in the 1990s but expressed skepticism about significant changes occurring, suggesting that the existing setup suits elite players’ preferences.
Ahead of the 2025/26 season, Sky has announced a price reduction on its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle, offering savings of £192 and access to over 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL, and more. The upcoming season will feature a substantial increase in the number of live Premier League games broadcast by Sky, with at least 215 matches scheduled.