PLAYERS' CUT: TONI NADAL ON ROLAND-GARROS 2011 NADAL V FEDERER
Speaking exclusively to Eurosport's Players' Cut, which this week features Rafael Nadal, Toni Nadal and Carlos Moya discuss some of the 19-time Grand Slam winner's greatest rivals.
Rafa Nadal vs Roger Federer, 2011 Roland-Garros final
Was this the first time you could remember Rafa not being the favourite given the form of Novak Djokovic?
Toni Nadal: Yes, what I wanted when I came to Roland Garros, was that Djokovic loses. It’s the only thing I wanted. When we played in Rome, I have seen in this moment Djokovic was playing better than Rafael. And when we arrived in Roland Garros, we knew that Djokovic was the best. Then for us, it was good that Federer won his semi final against Djokovic, it was a wonderful match and more, because Federer won. And then, I remember I think it was the first defeat of Djokovic that year.
Did you see a big difference between Rafa’s form in the first round and the final?
Toni Nadal: Many times, when we arrived at Roland Garros in Paris, he started with little confidence Rafael. Sometimes I said “Rafael, what happens? Do you believe that you can lose against this player? You are so good, it is not too difficult in the first round or the second round, no?” But then, after the first week, normally, he starts to play better and better and normally when he arrives in the final, he arrives with confidence, and then the center court for him is so good. It is a big court. He can move, and he has the feeling that it is very difficult to make points against him. Then, everything changes.
Toni Nadal and Carlos Moya were speaking to Eurosport as part of its Players' Cut series which this week features Rafa Nadal. Players' Cut airs from 7pm CEST each evening this week. Check local listings.