"We thought it was a bit excessive": Puzzling decision for Rafael Nadal not to play South American clay on return explained by Carlos Moya

Rafael Nadal skips South American Tour, opts for ATP 250 Doha Open, says Coach Carlos Moya. The Spanish player, who was largely absent throughout 2023, returned to the ATP Tour in 2024, leaving a positive impression in Brisbane. However, a minor tear forced him to withdraw from the Australian Open.

After confirming his absence in Australia, Nadal mentioned that the positive side is that the injury is not in the same location as the previous one, and he is now registered for the upcoming Doha Open starting on February 19.

Although there were rumors of a possible return to the South American clay court swing with tournaments like Buenos Aires, Rio, and Santiago, his coach Carlos Moya clarified that Nadal will stick to hard courts for now: “Surface changes are not easy.”

"While it is true that clay should be better for your joints, going from hard to clay, to go back to the US and then back to clay, we thought it was a bit excessive. That's why we chose to make this calendar, without so much change of surface," explained Moya.

In this way, Nadal will prepare for the 'sunshine double' at the Qatar tournament and then travel to the United States, where he will likely play in one of the Indian Wells and Miami Open Masters 1000 events, both in March and just before the start of the European clay court swing.

Moyá also explained that Nadal's injury in the left psoas is now fully recovered: “He has left his tendon much better than he had it before the injury. In theory no,” he said. “The injury itself is not serious, it can happen,” Carlos Moya added.

“But when you come from where you come from, with those hard months you have had and seeing yourself so close to returning to a very decent version, it is a shame. He really wanted to play the Australian Open.”