Nadal parts company with uncle Toni after 16th grand slam win

End of an era after New York victory as Toni Nadal parts company with nephew

As Rafael Nadal pummelled Kevin Anderson into submission in the final of the US Open, a familiar figure watched quietly from the corner of his box.

Toni Nadal, white cap pulled down over his forehead and towel covering his knees, was where he always is, where he always has been for all 16 of his nephew’s grand slam wins.

But, for the man who first put a racket in Nadal’s hand at the age of three, this was a last hurrah.

Toni decided at the start of this season that from 2018 onwards he would stay at home in Majorca to spend more time with his own children and concentrate on running the family’s academy.

Toni has been famously tough with his nephew, never basking, always focusing on how to be better.

He has also refused any attempts at reflected glory so it was no surprise that he sought to play down the personal significance of this moment.

“It was a big moment, not for me but for Rafael,” said Toni. “It was a big moment because not every day Rafael can win the US Open.

“For me it’s nothing special, no different than the other times when he won a grand slam tournament.”

It has been a remarkably stable relationship. Nadal found out about his uncle’s decision from the media – Toni had not realised it would be such big news when he revealed it at a coaching conference – but, if there was a rift, it was private and quickly healed.

Nadal at times has seemed irked by his uncle’s tough approach but he also acknowledges how crucial that relentless drive has been to his success.

When the 31-year-old heads to Australia in January he will be accompanied by Toni’s long-time assistant Francisco Roig and Carlos Moya, who takes over the lead role.

Former French Open champion Moya was Majorca’s first world No 1 and a longtime friend of the family.

This season has seen all three coaches work together to help Nadal rediscover his best form and reach three slam finals, winning two of them.

Nadal’s victory over Stan Wawrinka in the final of the French Open in June ended a three-year wait for his 15th grand slam title, overcoming injuries and a loss of confidence in his body and his game.

Moya said: “We tried to get Rafa to be more aggressive, not spend so much time

Picture: Getty Images. Rafael Nadal has now won 16 grand slams – three less than Roger Federer – after winning the US Open on Sunday.