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Toni Nadal on Gap Between Novak and Rafa


Toni Nadal says the level of tennis Novak Djokovic produced sweeping Rafael Nadal in the Australian Open final is unbeatable.

Yet Uncle Toni doesn't believe the gap between world No. 1 Djokovic and his nephew, world No. 2 Rafael Nadal, is as wide as the score suggests.

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Writing for the Spanish publication El Pais, Toni Nadal he doesn't know of any tactic that would have slowed the Serbian on Sunday.

"From the beginning we saw an opponent willing to attack and play at a high speed," Toni Nadal wrote of Djokovic in is column. "It is true that Rafael's blows were not as accurate as in previous days, but it is also true that each attempt was matched with an even better impact. On many occasions, a good attack from my nephew served as food for a winning return of the Serbian. I do not know if there is a possible tactic against such an inspired opponent."

Despite the lopsided result, Toni Nadal, former coach of Rafael Nadal, says his nephew showed positive signs throughout the tournament, including an improved serve and the ability to shorten points.

"Rafael has played the whole tournament at a very good level," Toni Nadal said. "The overwhelming results in all their clashes have been proof of this. He has done more damage with his service, he has been lethal with his right, he has played decisively and very quickly. He has managed to reach the final by spending less time on the track than on other occasions, which is really important for him.

"I think the result of the final gave the feeling of a wider distance than, in fact, there is. Djokovic touched the perfection and Rafael was less successful than in the rest of the tournament."

Photo credit: Roland Garros Facebook

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