Coach Carlos Moya recently provided insights into Rafael Nadal’s journey back to the court, revealing the emotional toll of a potential injury setback despite signs of the Spaniard’s resilience.
Rafael Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam champion, marked his return at the Brisbane International after a year-long hiatus due to hip surgery. While he showcased flashes of his formidable game, a quarterfinal loss to Jordan Thompson raised concerns about a lingering leg injury.
Moya disclosed that although initial assessments suggested a minor muscle tear, forcing Nadal to withdraw from the Australian Open, the setback dealt a significant blow to morale. Reflecting on Nadal’s performance, Moya praised his competitiveness but acknowledged lingering uncertainties.
As Nadal eyes a comeback at the Qatar Open in Doha, Moya addressed the decision to prioritize clay events over the Golden Swing, emphasizing the importance of minimizing surface transitions to safeguard against further injuries.
Despite speculation about Nadal’s retirement plans, fueled by his injury setback, Moya remains optimistic about his future in tennis. With Nadal’s determination undiminished, the focus now shifts to his return to competition and the quest to maintain fitness and momentum on the court.
