"I see it being difficult in these first two months" says coach Carlos Moya on Nadal comeback with high level from March onwards
ATPMonday, 01 January 2024 at 19:30
Rafael Nadal will be fit and firing by March or April admits his coach Carlos Moya with the likelihood of a hard opening few months for the great Spaniard which begins on Tuesday morning when he faces Dominic Thiem at the Brisbane International.
Which Nadal shows up is the question with the great Spaniard winning practice sets against big names but the big match scenario is still one that is yet to be seen. Moya though is under no illusion of how tough it will be to start off with though with age of course being a factor and Nadal not playing competitively since January 2023.
He said himself that usually he expects him to be 100%, but that for the first time in their partnership it isn't factored into his mindset with Indian Wells and Miami time where he sees Nadal peaking and getting stronger and stronger which makes sense given his perchance for clay and the potential in the mind of many for one final Roland Garros swansong.
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“I don't see anything as impossible. I have always said that nothing would surprise me about Rafa, nor has he surprised me so far, for that reason. I always expect the best from him. But this time, it's different," said Moya to Eurosport.
"The process we are following is for him to be competitive at a very high level, starting in March or April. Everything that comes from now on is a bonus, but it is a hard process where the draws are going to play an important part in reaching the best level.
"I have no doubt that he will return to a very good level, the only question is when. I see it being difficult in these first two months. But I have no doubt that, if there are no physical setbacks, he will achieve it sooner or later.”
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
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