Rafael Nadal’s coach names the player he sees as Spaniard’s natural successor

The coach of Rafael Nadal says the power behind the Spaniard’s success can never be replicated, but there is a player who can come close.
Nadal is famed for his ‘unique’ mental intensity and strength that makes him compete harder than any other man on the ATP Tour, and it has led him to a colossal 17 Grand Slam titles.
But while his coach Carlos Moya believes his player’s style is ‘unrepeatable’, he thinks Dominic Thiem, who Nadal beat in this year’s French Open final, is getting very close.
Rafa Nadal before turning 21 years old
20 ATP titles
2 Grand Slams (3 the week he turned 21)
8 Masters 1000
#YoungRafa pic.twitter.com/eY7Qxj13Mo— Chantal (@SurfaceSlam) July 26, 2018
“I think he is unique,” said Moya. “I didn’t know players of the past and current generation who have his same characters.
“Today the new generation players are very talented, others have a big serve, others hit well from the baseline.
“But I think what Rafa had for his whole life, his discipline, his winner fighting spirit is difficult to find nowadays.
“I think Thiem is the one who can get the closest to him, but what Rafa did will be unrepeatable.’
“It’s difficult to tell in what aspect you help him (Nadal). The most important thing is that the player wants to improve, grow up and with this mentality it’s easier.”
Latest
-
Kevin Palmer
Britain’s strength in depth in doubles highlights quality of structure
British tennis may be wondering who can replace Andy Murray, but they have a very different story to tell in the doubles arena.
-
Tennis News
Rafael Nadal pulls out of his next event due to ‘ongoing’ back problem
Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the ABN…
-
Tennis News
Lleyton Hewitt to be inducted into International Tennis Hall Of Fame
Former world No.1 Lleyton Hewitt is the latest player who will be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
-
Tennis Features
Five of the best men’s matches at the Australian Open featuring Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Rafael Nadal, and more
The matches that made us sit up and take note.
-
Australian Open
Five of the best women’s matches at Australian Open featuring Naomi Osaka vs Garbine Muguruza, and more
Five of the best women’s singles matches at the 2021 Aus Open.
-
WTA Tour
Ashleigh Barty laments giving away control to Danielle Collins as she suffers defeat in Adelaide
Early exit for defending champion Ashleigh Barty.
-
Australian Open
Toni Nadal believes the pressure got to Daniil Medvedev in the Australian Open final
Daniil Medvedev felt the heat.
-
Tennis News
Serena Williams still believes she can win another Grand Slam and has no plans to retire just yet, says her coach
Serena Williams not ready to quit.
-
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic’s father hits out at Western media over their negative portrayal of his son
Srdjan Djokovic slams Western media.
-
News
Andy Murray’s Montpellier run shortlived as he suffers first-round exit
Andy Murray went down in straight sets.