Nadal’s uncle and former coach says he can win a 15th French Open title

Uncle and former coach of Rafael Nadal, Toni, believes that his nephew will clinch a 15th title at Roland Garros, despite his current injury.

Nadal had a less-than-ideal start to the season when he was knocked out of the Australian Open in the second round by Mackenzie McDonald last month.

The 36-year-old sustained a hip injury during the match which he announced shortly after would keep him sidelined for around two months, putting his Indian Wells and Miami Open participation in doubt and increasing retirement gossip.

Toni, who coached the 22-time Grand Slam champion for an astonishing 27 years up until 2017, admitted that the abundance of injuries his nephew has sustained during the past 12 months has resulted in tunnel vision, meaning he refuses to look beyond the next tournament.

‘’When one has been there for so many years, as is the case with him, and after having had so many problems in the last year, where he ended up too injured, I don't consider the future beyond the next tournament,’’ said Toni.

‘’You never really know how things are going to go. It is true that Rafael has a very punished body, but it is also true that he has been on the professional circuit since he was 16 years old and that is something you pay for.’’

Despite the injury setback, Toni believes Nadal is still the favourite going into the French Open.

‘’When you have that, it is easy for the body to fail here today and there tomorrow,'' he added.

''I trust that he can lift the Roland Garros trophy this year, and then we'll see.’’