Rafael Nadal injury update provided by uncle Toni after Laver Cup withdrawal

Rafael Nadal was right to pull out of his final two Laver Cup matches as he is now ready to compete at the Shanghai Masters, according to the world No 2’s uncle Toni.

Nadal’s hand swelled up after playing back-to-back matches on Saturday and he withdrew from the exhibition event.

The Spaniard was due to compete in another two ties on Sunday but had to be replaced by his Team Europe team-mates.

There were slight concerns Nadal may not be 100 per cent fit for his return to action at the Shanghai Masters next month.

But Toni Nadal insists his nephew will be raring to go and only skipped the matches as a precaution.

“Rafael is fine, he retired in the last game thinking more than anything about not forcing it and to be able to do this end of the year with guarantees,” Toni Nadal said.

“Sometimes you have a small problem, you don't pay much attention and in the end you end up having a big problem.

“Once he has a little rest he will be fine.”

Toni Nadal left his nephew’s corner two years ago after a very successful spell as his coach.

However the 58-year-old takes no credit and compares his situation to that of Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.

“Guardiola would not have won the six titles in 2009 if [Lionel] Messi had not been in that form form,” uncle Toni added.

“It is not the coach that makes the player good, the player makes the coach good.

“I don't do it as a coach anymore, but obviously I have in mind the 27 years I was with him and I always want the best.

“I have very clear in life that all the merit is practically Rafael's, but I think I helped to mark a path that had no choice but to follow.

“If you demand goals from a guy with a lot talent, your work also counts.”