Nadal Backed by Coach to Pull 'Rabbit Out of the Hat' Upon Return

Rafael Nadal's coach, Carlos Moya, has backed the Spanish player to be ready to compete when he returns from injury.

2023 has been an injury struck season for Nadal and he has not featured since the Australian Open in January. The 36-year-old most recently pulled out of the Madrid Open and concerns have been raised about whether Nadal can recover in time for the 2023 French Open, which begins on Monday, May 28.

In a recent interview with RTVE, Nadal's coach explained that the 22-time Grand Slam champion is upset about missing out on the early part of the clay season. But, despite the recent setbacks due to injury, Moya also said Rafa's team is positive about his chances of recovery.

"We are a bit sad for not having been able to debut in the clay court season yet. The one who is having the worst is him, but we try to encourage him and we are always optimistic,"

Moya told RTVE

Moya has also admitted that Nadal wants to play Roland Garros once again this year. The 36-year-old has won the competition a record 14 times and is the reigning champion at the French Open after he beat Casper Ruud in 2022.

Moya was also quick to dismiss claims that Nadal needs plenty of match practice to be ready for any upcoming competition. The coach also pointed out that the 'King of Clay' has a strong reputation for bouncing back quickly from injury and achieving success on the court.

"He continues with confidence, with Rafa you can always expect him to be I pulled a rabbit out of the hat, That's why I think it's always been an urban legend that Nadal needs a lot of games to be ready, when he has returned from injury he has always achieved good results"