Rafael Nadal coach Carlos Moya has shared his “fear” about Rafael Nadal’s return to the Australian Open after nearly a year on the sidelines. Nadal will compete in the Brisbane International later this month, after not playing since early January. However, Moya, the 37-year-old’s coach, wonders if the stress of competitive tennis is too much for his charge.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion has not competed since suffering a muscular ailment at Melbourne Park in January. After more than two decades on the tennis circuit, 2024 is scheduled to be his final match. Also read: Reaching New Heights: Veronika Kudermetova Claims Second Title at Toray Pan Pacific Open
“You can tell the batteries are running low,” he told the ATP Tour. “A sportsman has an expiry date, and he is getting closer to it every day. “You’re never aware of when that time is, very rarely. You just keep trying. And I think in that regard we’ve all had our doubts that it could come in Australia, he more so than anyone.
“We gradually increased the load and the intensity, always with a very careful plan that we followed. “Sometimes we would have to take a step back, rest a little, slow down. But it’s the entire process that comes with an injury of this severity, and you’re at the point of your career when you’re no longer 20 years old.” Also read: Rafael Nadal Confirms Participation In Barcelona Open
He’ll return from a near-year leave at the Brisbane International in late December, and while Moya believes training is going well, he’s concerned about how Nadal will handle three and five-set matches.
Nadal has often discussed calling it quits on his career, even stating his desire to one day become Real Madrid president. His 21st title was won in Australia in 2022, as he fought back from two sets down to against Daniil Medvedev in the final. But, two years later, Moya is concerned that his charge will be able to repeat the feat.
Carlos said, “There’s still a month left, a tournament before in Brisbane, demanding training … I think all of this will put him in a position to be able to endure it. But now, that’s my fear.” Also read: Carlos Alcaraz To Compete In 2024 Australian Open Without Coach
The Brisbane International begins two weeks before the Australian Open on December 31. Because of his injury absence, Nadal has slid out of the world’s top 100 for the first time in over 20 years, necessitating a wild card for both tournaments. In Brisbane, he will face a packed lineup that includes two-time champion Andy Murray, world No. 8 Holger Rune, and US Open semi-finalist Ben Shelton.