After overcoming a hip injury, Rafa Nadal has made good progress in his training, but his coach Carlos Moya is concerned about how the former world number one’s physique would withstand the demands of Grand Slam tennis.
The 37-year-old will make his comeback to Brisbane this month before competing in the Australian Open, which takes place in January 14–28 and is where he won two of his 22 Grand Slam championships. In January, he had a muscular problem at Melbourne Park that ended his season.
After undergoing surgery in June, the Spaniard hinted that 2024 would be his last season on the circuit. In an effort to ensure he ends his career on the court, he has intensified his preparation in the last few months.
“Rafa will go from his excellent training to competition. In an interview with the ATP Tour, Moya stated that training cannot have the same conditions as a match.
“Combining the best-of-five format, winning, taking a break, and resuming play two days later… I’m currently doubting that, especially in the case of a Grand Slam. However, we still have time. It’d be a big dread if the Australian Open began tomorrow.
“A competition in Brisbane is coming up in less than a month, necessitating training… All of this, I believe, will position him to be able to bear it. But now I’m afraid of that.”
This season, Nadal fell to 668 and out of the top 100 for the first time in 20 years. However, because he has been out of action for at least six months due to injury, he is eligible for a protected ranking.
But according to Moya, Nadal would need fortunate draws to establish his rhythm because he would not be able to dodge tough opponents in the opening rounds.
“I’ve never been of the thought that Rafa needs rhythm because he’s too good for that,” Moya stated. “But now the situation is different.” Reuters
