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.
“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.”
