Madrid Open: Rafael Nadal’s Coach Carlos Moya Reveals Minor Change He Made Just To Experience the Love From Fans

The coach-player relationship is a two-way street. While players adapt to the coach’s system, truly effective coaches also demonstrate flexibility in their approach to capitalize on each player’s unique talents. Rafael Nadal‘s coach, Carlos Moya, is a perfect demonstration of the same. Few days ago, when the 22 Grand Slam winner announced his apparent retirement, it shook the world of the likes of fans, players and even coaches. Nadal’s own coach admitted to have readjusted his routine in an attempt to “give him the tribute he deserves.”

Nadal started this season with Brisbane International in January. However, he opted out of many major tours like the Miami Open, Indian Wells, or Monte-Carlo Masters because he felt physically unfit. However, Nadal’s return to the Madrid Open satisfied his fans’ long craving to watch him win. However, Nadal Faithful are sad since it may be his last Madrid Open tour. When asked about it, Carlos Moya not only showcased his love for Nadal but highlighted why this legend deserves to be celebrated.

Carlos Moya has changed his routine to watch Rafa play before his retirement

In an interview with Twitch, Nadal’s famous coach Carlos Moya spoke about how he is mentally preparing to see this Spanish ATP legend retire from the sport. Speaking of the affection of the people when they see him(Rafa) play, Moya said– “I am never on the track when he enters or when he leaves. This year I’m doing it, because I like to see the affection that people show when they enter the court. He is one of the great stars of this sport, who is about to retire, and it is very nice to see him. I have changed my routine to see him.” 

Moya also delved deeper into how fans have loved Nadal as an integral part of their family. That is why he believed that watching the return to the clay court was an opportunity for his fans. He also believed that for this amazing effort Nadal deserves tribute from the fraternity. In Moya’s words- “Everything comes. This has to be an opportunity for the people who are going to see him on the track. The magic he has alone on the track, with his presence. We must give him the tribute he deserves.”

Carlos Moya’s statements bring back nostalgia among fans who watched Nadal ruling on the hard court like a true champion. Nadal cruised to a 6-1, 6-0 victory over the mistake-prone 16-year-old Darwin Blanch at the Mutua Madrid Open Thursday. It is worth noting that the encounter marked “the largest age gap (21 years, 117 days) between two opponents at an ATP 1000 tournament.” However, Nadal still feels apprehensive about his favorite Roland Garros.

Nevertheless, his coach showed optimism as the ATP star is practicing hard for his next match against Alex de Minaur at the Madrid Open.

Coach Carlos Moya feels Nadal’s match against Alex de Minaur will be a “different match” from the Barcelona Open this year

Carlos Moya especially showed great enthusiasm about Nadal’s match against Alex de Minaur in the Mutua Madrid Open R64. Nadal faced off against Mianur at round 32 of the Barcelona Open tour and lost the match to the latter. However, Now Moya seems optimistic that Nadal would do better this time. But how? “With every minute of improvement”.

“It will be a different match from Barcelona. There he did not see him prepared against a rival like Alex. I think tomorrow will be a little different. Without being ideal, I think we will see Rafa who has spent 8 days and that every minute he spends on the track is a minute of improvement. He has spent more hours on the track, he is now more fit….It will be better than what we saw last week.” 

“The results are secondary. The important thing is that you feel like a tennis player on the court again.”