Uncle toni: i worried about rafa during slump

He was all smiles on Sunday but there were times earlier this year when Rafael Nadal's uncle and coach, Toni, feared his nephew was struggling to recover from the darkest period of his career.

Toni, who has coached Nadal since he was a toddler, joined the celebrations after the 24-year-old claimed a fifth French Open title in six years with a 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 victory over Robin Soderling, the Swede who began all the problems 12 months ago.

"Last year was a very difficult one and I remember the final tournament (ATP World Tour Finals) in London was very tough," a sweating Toni said in the players' restaurant minutes after Nadal's emotional reaction to victory on Chatrier Court.