Carlos Moya: The privilege of being with Rafael Nadal | ATP Tour

Nadal Retirement

Moya: The privilege of being with Rafa

Coach and pal displays on his time with Nadal

November 20, 2024

I first met Rafa when he was 11 years outdated, in Stuttgart. He was enjoying in a match on the Nike Junior Tour, within the under-12 class, and I used to be enjoying within the Masters 1000 in the identical metropolis. I believe that at the moment it was a part of the Tremendous 9 or Masters Collection class, I can’t keep in mind now. I used to be enjoying with Becker and Rafa got here to the follow the day earlier than with somebody from Nike, who launched him to me. They requested me to play 10 minutes with him, and we knocked up for a bit. That was the primary time we crossed paths. I assumed he was a really shy and well-mannered boy, who barely spoke. Then on court docket he was reworked and his depth was so excessive for somebody of his age.

Later, in 2016, it was such a pleasure to obtain the decision from the crew, however first I needed to have a dialog alone with him. He was coming off the again of two seasons the place issues had not gone properly for him, he was 30 years outdated and didn’t know what to do going ahead. We sat down to speak at my home and he laid out his targets for me. I did not hesitate within the slightest to simply accept as a result of I may see he’d have the ability to obtain them. I used to be vastly assured and after I noticed his want to attempt to get again to the place he deserved to be, which was on the high and profitable Grand Slam titles, I didn’t hesitate to hitch the undertaking.

With that want, I knew that he’d be completely able to attaining it.

Actually, I assumed my new position could be tougher as a result of it was an enormous change. We’d been buddies for over 20 years, shared so much collectively, each on and off the court docket, and changing into his coach… I used to be uncertain about the way it would possibly work. It’s true that Rafa may be very well-mannered and respectful, I’ve by no means heard him say a single phrase towards his crew or his household. That’s one thing I additionally valued and it helped me when it got here to working with him. I don’t just like the phrase ‘boss’, however typically you make selections or you could have conversations that aren’t straightforward and it’s onerous travelling and spending a lot time collectively. I used to be scared that that would erode the friendship aspect of it, nevertheless it wasn’t the case.

Throughout that point, I’d say that nothing stunned me, however I admired a number of issues. I wasn’t in any respect stunned as a result of my expectations had at all times been so excessive with him. However it’s true that you’re at all times amazed together with his capability to evolve and enhance.

Personally, I’m fascinated by the truth that he can play each level as if the earlier one didn’t occur, that’s so onerous to do in tennis. Rafa is ready to put something unhealthy that occurs to at least one aspect and overlook it. That’s one of many keys that enable him to struggle for each level, each set, each match; one of many keys which have allowed him to go to date. The definition of resilience, a phrase that may be very trendy, is Rafa. He has fallen many instances, significantly with accidents, and he has at all times bought again up and are available again. All these expertise are unbelievable and so they’d shock me in anybody else I didn’t know, however I do know Rafa… It doesn’t shock me, nevertheless it makes me admire him so much.

Now that every little thing is over, I’ve many recollections of an unbelievable interval of my life that may by no means be matched. It’s one thing I’ll at all times carry with me. I’m grateful that he thought I may kind a part of his crew for this journey. I’ve discovered a lot, I’ve had the possibility to spend eight years with one of many greats within the historical past of this sport and my recollections of it are great.

After all, there can be issues I’ll miss, however they’re issues I’m grateful for. Having loved all that point with a participant like him, with an individual like him, all of the experiences we’ve had along with the crew…

I’m certain there’ll be moments after I’ll look again and really feel nostalgia, however I at all times take a look at new beginnings as a optimistic factor. Fortuitously, I’ve an exquisite household with whom I’ll have the opportunity to spend so much of time. I’m certain I’ll really feel nostalgia, however what I really feel above all is gratitude and appreciation.

*Carlos Moyà was Rafael Nadal’s coach from 2017 to 2024