Former Serbian Davis Cup coach Bogdan Obradovic has weighed in on Rafael Nadal’s uncle Toni’s recent remarks regarding Novak Djokovic.
In a recent interview, Toni Nadal expressed his desire to see his nephew secure another Grand Slam title and admitted his preference for Djokovic to miss the French Open or the Paris Olympics, events where he hopes for Nadal’s success.
Speaking at the Rafa Nadal School of Sport at the Alfonso X el Sabio University, Nadal jokingly suggested that Djokovic sustaining an injury would facilitate his nephew’s path to victory.
“Rafa will likely compete at Roland Garros this year, and I hope he will be in good form. It would be wonderful for him and the entire family if he were to win another Grand Slam,” Nadal stated.
“The only scenario I’d prefer not to see is Djokovic in Paris, neither at Roland Garros nor at the Olympic Games, where I am hopeful for Nadal’s gold. I would prefer if Djokovic, along with a few others, were to sustain injuries so that my nephew could have an easier path to the final.”
In response to Toni’s remarks, Bogdan Obradovic emphasized that he believes the Spaniard harbored no ill intentions and speculated that his comments were made in jest or were misunderstood.
“We have always maintained a friendly relationship with Nadal and his team. Our friendship has remained strong throughout. I am unsure if his comments were taken out of context or if he intended to be humorous and missed the mark. I view Toni as a friend, and I don’t believe he wishes any harm upon us,” Obradovic remarked in an interview with sport.alo.
