One of the longest coaching relationships in tennis may be coming to an end after this season.

Toni Nadal, uncle of 14-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal, says 2017 will be his last year on tour with his famous nephew.

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“From next year, I will no longer follow Rafael on the circuit and I will focus exclusively on our (tennis) academy,” Toni Nadal said during an interview with Tennis Italiano.

The announcement comes just weeks after Rafael Nadal reached the Australian Open final losing to Roger Federer. Toni Nadal insisted that his relationship with his nephew are fine. This is despite speculation that Carlos Moya, a former No. 1, recently added to Nadal’s coaching team is taking on a big role.

“Relations with my nephew are still excellent. During all these years, we have never been through a crisis. Until he was 17 years old, it was me who decided everything. Then Carlos Costa arrived as manager. Then his father became closer, each having his opinions,” Toni Nadal added.

"And the truth is that every year I had less decision-making, until the day when I will decide on nothing."

The announcement came as a surprise to Nadal’s spokesperson Benito Perez who told AFP, “These words took us somewhat by surprise. If he said that, then it means just that. I will speak to Rafa about it in the coming days. I don't think we will be immediately communicating on this subject."

Rafael Nadal pulled out of the upcoming ATP event in Rotterdam after his doctors advised him to take a rest after reaching the Australian Open finals.