Carlos Moya predicts when we will see ‘best version’ of Rafael Nadal as he debunks ‘urban legend’
Rafael Nadal’s coach Carlos Moya believes we will see the “best version” of Rafael Nadal in around March or April and thinks he will need about 10 matches “to gain confidence.”
The former world No 1 claimed the idea that Nadal needs matches to find rhythm when coming back from a spell on the sidelines is “a bit of an urban legend” but recognised this time is “a little different.”
Nadal defeated world No 98 Dominic Thiem 7-5, 6-1 in the opening round of the 2024 Brisbane International on Tuesday in his first singles match in almost a year.
The 37-year-old Spaniard brought a high level as he broke the 30-year-old Austrian and former US Open winner three times and did not face a break point on his own serve in a convincing victory.
The 22-time major champion had not played a singles match since suffering a hip injury in a defeat to Mackenzie McDonald in the second round of the 2023 Australian Open.
Following Nadal’s impressive comeback triumph against Thiem, Moya expressed his delight at his fellow Mallorcan’s performance, while highlighting the French Open as the primary target.
“I am very happy with his performance, especially when we know the circumstances. I couldn’t ask for more than what happened against Dominic Thiem,” he told L’Equipe.
“There are always small things to improve, but everything will gradually fall into place. The level has been very good, probably better than we expected. Now we need to continue evolving and progressing match by match.
“I think we will see the best version of him in spring, around the months of March or April. He will need about ten games to gain confidence, to regain his rhythm. I know he will return to his best level. With Rafa you can expect anything, I mean, it’s Rafa.
“The idea is to be 100% for Roland Garros. Maybe it will be sooner, maybe this week (laughs). With Rafa you never know. He gets his magic from who knows where, that’s why he is Rafa.”
In a recent interview with Eurosport, Moya explained why the circumstances of Nadal’s latest comeback mean the former world No 1 may require more matches to build rhythm than previously in his career.
“The fact that Rafa needs matches and rhythm is a bit of an urban legend because he has been injured many times for five-six months and had never left the top 10. That means that he adapts perfectly to what there is,” the Spaniard said.
“But this time, it’s a little different. It’s being 37 years old, going through the operating room, fatherhood… there are many things that make everything different, but our trust in him is absolute.
“We know that it is going to be an arduous and hard road, that the final goal is to be in competition, and it will be achieved now. But being in competition, he will try to be as competitive as possible. I think we will see a very good version of Rafa, but this time he is going to need a couple of months.”
The 1998 French Open champion, who has coached Nadal since late 2016, also revealed that an aggressive tactical approach will be key for the tennis great in his comeback.
“Looking ahead to a possible last season, we focus on what we have worked on in recent years. The first ball, being aggressive, making the rallies shorter… the legs are not what they were before. For this, you need good work and the quality that Rafa has,” the 47-year-old continued.
“With other players it is more difficult to demand that. With Rafa, you can demand it. You also talk about many things, you put yourself in a situation of what the last year could be like, to enjoy these moments of competition, because once you retire, there is nothing that can match it.
“You won’t find that feeling on a centre court with 15,000 people, that adrenaline of the last set in the tie-break. You can be happy with many other things, but that feeling is unrepeatable.
“I will try to make him ensure that he enjoys those moments. Every moment you spend on those centre courts is about having a good time, having fun and being with your family, because we are all going to be supporting him. It’s time to try to have fun.”
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