Carlos Moy analyzes Rafael Nadal’s return to the courts
By Joan Solsona
Updated on December 18, 2023 – 09:05 CET
Carlos Moy, who has been Rafael Nadal’s coach since the end of 2017, replacing Tony Nadal, shares his insights on Nadal’s current situation after his official return to the courts at the Brisbane Open 250 (December 31 to January 7).
The Complexity of the Hip Intervention
“The entire process required absolute rest after the operation. The operation turned out to be more complicated than expected. Once they opened it up, they realized it was a delicate situation. It was not what they initially anticipated. It required tests and MRIs… it seems that the issue was not well understood, resulting in a longer recovery time than expected. However, if he had not undergone surgery, the recovery would have been even more challenging. Despite the difficulties, Nadal was determined to come back and bid farewell on the track.”
The Training Process
“We started training at the end of August, taking it very easy. We trained two days a week for twenty minutes each. It was a slow and conservative progression, with occasional setbacks. At times, it seemed challenging because there was no improvement. However, constant medical monitoring and tests provided reassurance that the recovery was normal. We had to take steps back, rest, and slow down. This injury is a serious matter, especially considering Nadal’s age and stage in his career. It has been a difficult and winding path.”
Thoughts of Retirement
“There have been moments when the situation seemed complicated, and now we can see that time is running out. The career of an elite athlete has an expiration date, and Nadal is approaching it. One is never fully aware of when that moment arrives. We always keep trying. However, during this process, there were doubts about whether he could make it to Australia, and Nadal himself had those doubts too. It has been the most challenging moment I have experienced with him.”
“Rafa arrived in Kuwait thinking that it was not going to be competitive and left convinced that it was.”
Positive Results in Tests with Fils
“The truth is, Nadal performed very well, much better than expected. He initially thought he wouldn’t be competitive, but now he is convinced otherwise.”
Rafa Nadal returns to track training with his sights set on Australia
Comparison with a Video Game
“To reach your best level, you must face greater difficulties. It’s like playing a video game. You may think you’re doing well, but suddenly, you encounter a challenging level that eliminates you in minutes. It’s similar to Nadal’s journey. He starts with easier opponents, but as he progresses, he faces tougher challenges.”
This is how Rafa Nadal announced his return to the courts
The Transition from Training to Competition
“Nadal will now transition from training, which has been going well, to competing. This is my biggest concern. Playing best-of-five sets, winning matches, resting, and then returning to the court just two days later… This is especially challenging for a Grand Slam tournament.”