Serbian media react to Nadal's uncle jokingly hoping for rivals' injuries for Olympic success

Rafael Nadal's illustrious career appears to be nearing its conclusion. Speculations are rife that the present tennis season could be his last. After a significant break due to hip ailments, he recently returned triumphantly to the ATP 250 tournament in Brisbane.

Regrettably, the Spaniard incurred another injury following a defeat in Australia, compelling him to miss the Australian Open Grand Slam. Although scheduled to play in a Doha tournament, he was eventually compelled to withdraw.

The tennis star's uncle, Toni Nadal, revealed in an interview with "La Sexta" that he anticipates Rafael's reappearance at the Roland Garros, where he has emerged victorious 14 times. He is optimistic about Rafael's success again. Yet, Rafael is set on clinching an Olympic medal at the forthcoming 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

A family member of Nadal, Toni, took the opportunity to share a quip he had been concealing aimed at his nephew's primary rival, Novak Djokovic.

"I hope that in August Rafa will bring back a medal from the Olympic Games. Therefore, my wish is for Djokovic and a few other players to get injured. That way, Rafa can win," Toni Nadal humorously remarked, emphasizing that his comment was made in jest.

Despite the joke, the uncle of the renowned tennis player faced criticism, with Serbian media reflecting the most outrage. The portal kurir.rs led the wave of criticism, refusing to ignore his statement.

"Nadal's sick and shameful words about Novak. (...) Saying something like this, especially in an interview accessible to millions globally, is certainly unacceptable," wrote the Serbian portal.

This wasn't the first instance of Toni Nadal's outspoken nature. Months earlier, he jestingly stated that injuries to Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, and Daniil Medvedev would be necessary for his relative to succeed in the Australian Open Grand Slam, an event Rafael eventually did not compete in.