Rafael Nadal might be 30-years-old, but he is a long way off retiring according to his coach Carlos Moya.
The former world No.1 joined Nadal’s team in December. The appointment came shortly before the surprise announcement of Toni Nadal’s decision to step away from travelling on the tour after this year in order to focus more on his academy work with younger players.
Moya recently spoke about his new role with the website of the Acapulco Open, where Nadal reached the final last week. This year the Spanish No.1 is aiming to return back to the top of the men’s game after enduring a problematic 2016 season due to a troublesome wrist injury. Chasing after his first major title since the 2014 French Open, the Spaniard has already made solid progress with a run to the Australian Open final. It was a dream start to the Moya-Nadal collaboration, but even Moya admits that it will be hard to repeat Nadal’s dominance from previous years.
“It will be almost impossible to equal the results he had in the past, but on the other side, I am next to a player who won many Grand Slam titles and who was World No. 1. It makes your job easier,” said Moya. “A good coach always needs a good player to do well, and from this point of view with Rafa, it’s easier.”
Whilst the golden days might be over, it doesn’t mean that Nadal will not once again thrive at the highest level of the men’s tour. Instead of modifying Nadal’s game, Moya and the team are taking a different approach by feeding their ideas into his mindset.
“Me and his team try to transfer him our ideas, we want the best for him. He started well the year and we think that he is back or is on the way to be at his best level that can allow him to compete for everything.” Moya explained.
“This is our goal. I am convinced that Rafa is doing well physically, he is willing and excited. I think that Rafael Nadal will be there for a while.”
Last year, Nadal won two ATP titles on the clay. Whilst some players might be thrilled with this tally, it falls short of the Spaniard’s high standards. The last time the 30-year-old won two or less titles on the ATP Tour was in 2004.
Fortunately for Nadal’s army of fans, there is no need to panic. As Moya compared Nadal to Milos Raonic, a player who he has also mentored in the past, the 40-year-old candidly hinted that the nine-time grand slam champion has 3-5 years left on the tour depending on how his body holds up.
“Raonic is in full swing and is trying to find his game. The other one is a player who won everything and that has 3-4-5 years left and who did a little bit bad in the last two years.” He said.
“Expectations are different, nor more nor less, but are different. The coach needs to suit to the player’s condition and that’s what I am trying to do.”
Nadal’s next targets are the hard courts in Indian Wells, where the first Masters 1000 tournament of the year takes place. A three-time champion in the event, he will be seeded fifth in this year’s draw with the aim of winning his first title on the surface since 2014.
