Nadal's uncle Toni Nadal angry with Roland Garros spectators for cheering the world number one's elimination from the event
Rafael Nadal's uncle and coach, Toni Nadal, has called spectators at the Roland Garros tournament in Paris "stupid" for cheering the world number one's elimination from the event over the weekend.
"I think the Parisian public is so stupid," he said in an interview with news radio Cadena Ser broadcast late on Monday, one day after Nadal's four-year Roland Garros reign came to an end at the hands of Sweden's Robin Soderling.
"The triumph of a Spaniard upsets them. What seems uncalled for is supporting the defeat of someone. It is not a very satisfying way to be happy," he added.
Nadal, who was seeking a record fifth consecutive title, crashed to a fourth round 6-2, 6-7, 6-4, 7-6 defeat to the Swedish 23rd seed.
It was his first ever defeat at Roland Garros after winning all of his 31 matches since his 2005 debut.
"He played very badly and Soderling was better. He was more nervous than usual, lacking confidence and his shots lacked precision," said Toni.
In another interview with radio Onda Cero, he said the French "are a bit jealous of the Spanish" because no French player has won Roland Garros since Yannick Noah in 1983.
"I suppose that it annoys them to see that Spain is constantly producing very good players," he said.
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