From correspondents in Paris, France, 07:30 PM IST

Rafael Nadal's coach and uncle Toni has slammed Roland Garros spectators for jeering his nephew during his first-ever loss at the French Open tennis.

Gallic-Iberian tensions came to the fore as Nadal went down to Swede Robin Soderling. Toni told Catalan radio the Paris crowds, which booed his nephew when he retired last November at Paris Bercy, also gave him hell during his loss to Soderling.

'There is only one set of supporters that is worse than the French and that is the Parisians,' Toni said. 'I think the French don't like it when a Spaniard wins.'

'Wanting someone to lose is a slightly conceited way of amusing yourself. They show the stupidity of people who think themselves superior.'

Four time Paris champion Nadal himself, due to fly to London from Mallorca Saturday to begin the grass campaign at Queen's, added: 'I wish when I'm back they can support me a bit more in key moments.'

(Staff Writer, © IANS)