Rafael Nadal Has Added Carlos Moya To His Coaching Team

by Staff | December 17th, 2016, 10:12 am
  • 92 Comments

Rafael Nadal has finally made a big move on the coaching front. The Spaniard who’s been with his uncle, Toni Nadal, will have another strong voice in camp after adding fellow Mallorcan Carlos Moya.

“I am very excited to announce that Carlos Moya will join my team immediately and working together with Toni and Francis Roig,” Nadal said in a statement on Saturday. “To have someone like Carlos, who is not only a friend but also a very important person in my career, is something special. He will be next to me on my practice and competition.”

Moya, a former No. 1 himself, led Raonic to a career-high No. 3 finish in the rankings and helped the Canadian to reach his first Grand Slam final until parting ways a few weeks ago.


““Toni called me while I was at the IPTL competition,” Moya said. “It was great to receive that call. To be able to help Rafa is something special for me and I am sure that together with Toni, Francis and the rest of the team we have a great common project. Rafa is a special player and above all a great person and friend on which I have a lot of trust and confidence that will be able to continue winning important titles.”

Toni Nadal said he did make the move to reach out to Moya once he became available.

“When I knew Carlos had stopped with Raonic I called him since we think he can join all our projects,” Toni Nadal said. “Carlos has always been a special person for us.

“We understand it is the right moment to have him join our team.”

Nadal hasn’t won a Grand Slam title since the 2014 French Open. And this year with just two titles he finished outside the Top 5 at No. 9 for the first time since 2004. He also ended his season early due to an ongoing left wrist injury.

Nadal is expected back on court in a few weeks for the Abu Dhabi exo.


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92 Comments for Rafael Nadal Has Added Carlos Moya To His Coaching Team

BBB Says:

Good for Rafa. He was a bit stagnant, and while his loyalty to his uncle is admirable, Moya will be a fresh voice.


Giles Says:

Good luck Rafa. Wish you lots of success with Carlos.
Vamos Champ!


J-Kath Says:

Who would have believed it! – Rafa bringing in fresh blood – Great news. Raonic was crazy to release Moya – so well done Rafa – he’s a good friend and may provide the missing link in your career. Hope Rafa fans are pleased.


Willow Says:

J-Kath if it gives Rafa new ideas, new impetus, then im all for it, especially after a lack lustre year this year, change is positive for sure, just want to see him back playing win or lose, its been too long ….


J.S. Says:

YAY Rafa! Don’t EVER count Nadal out! The man is simply amazing and I am obsessed with him. What was Raonic thinking? Great news for the best tennis player ever and might be the best move for his team. Rafa’s fans will be thrilled to see him back on the court.
Booking Rotterdam and Barcelona to see him in action…..Spending my kids inheritance chasing Rafa LOL!


Willow Says:

J.S Love your positivity, as a fellow Rafa fan welcome on board ….


jane Says:

good for rafa; i think this is a strong choice and it shows rafa is serious about another comeback next year.


J-Kath Says:

Willow: As an Andy fan, Rafa’s return with the Moya on his team sends an unexpected shiver down my spine – NOW, I don’t count Rafa out in any way.

J.S. – As I said above.
Goodness, Milos is supposed to be intelligent, couldn’t he see the early benefits of having Moya – guess he was in too much of a rush and thought he could demolish all and sundry. Rafa and Moya? Wow!


Willow Says:

J-Kath i have no unrealistic expectations, i think if hes going to be a factor at all, it will probably be when the CC, i would imagine thats what most other posters will also say, but just second guessing here ….


J.S. Says:

Willow – what is CC?? (credit card) LOL?
I like Andy too, he is my 2nd fav. Disappointed Andy has not released his schedule, seems so odd to me…he is #1 and needs to step it up on social media! Where you playing Andy? And, I am sure Tournament Directors would stand in line to pay him appearance fees, no?

Do you think Andy will go to Rotterdam and/or Barcelona?

AND on Milos watching someone serve aces gets old haha! I want MORE :) plus he doesn’t sweat…some reason I think of Donny Osmand watching him.


Willow Says:

J.S clay courts LOL, and Andy is also my second favorite, i havent seen or heard about a schedule for any of the players as yet ….

Donny Osmond lol, nice to have another Rafa fan here, as they are a bit thin on the ground at the moment ….


J-Kath Says:

Willow: Rafa’s schedule is available on a number of strands.
PS: Also don’t know what CC is??????????


Willow Says:

J-Kath cheers, and CC is clay courts ….


J.S. Says:

Really? Rafa has 11M followers, I thought we were all very loyal.
Since Rafa has released his schedule I assumed others would too. I guess I am wrong!

I think the best tourneys to go see Rafa are the CC for now. I learned something today, will keep planning my trip, would love to go to Roland Garros.

What do you know about Rafa’s new coach? How long was he with Raonic? Do you like him and think he will help?


J-Kath Says:

J.S.

Andy’s schedule is partly listed. As Wogboy pointed out Lendl has influenced where Andy plays i.e. same tournaments as Novak….evidently.


J-Kath Says:

J.S.

Milos had a number of “coaches” over the last 12 months, e.g. John MacEnroe who came before and went after Wimbledon and Moya (from memory) also less than a year…needs checking.


J.S. Says:

Thank you for update on Murray’s schedule. Just found it and seems nothing on Barcelona or Rotterdam yet. Keeping fingers crossed he adds them!
The only 2 Europe trips I can make this year!

You guys ROCK!


rognadfan Says:

This will be good for Rafa’s mentality and his approach to matches.A fresh breath of air!


CV. Says:

Carlos Moya is not a stranger to Nadal’s team. He is also a friend of
the Family. Hopefully he will make a difference.
I am a fervent and loyal fan of Nadal. In my book a new opinion was due three years ago. However, better late than never, hopefully Moya’s voice will indeed be to the GOOD. If his health prevail, Nadal is capable of returning to winning ways.
May the FORCE BE WITH YOU.


Wog Boy Says:

Everyone is improving their teams, so does the Nole;)

Good luck Rafa.


J.S. Says:

Wog Boy – I think Nole needs to spend lots of $$ on his image, something odd about him including interviews. He is the only player I don’t care to watch….not sure what it is, maybe the blessing to the crowds after his wins? Who the heck told him that was appropriate?
Did he released his coach too? WOW lots of changes after this season….Hope I don’t offend Nole fans, I am sure he is very talented. :)


Wog Boy Says:

I don’t see any problem with his image, he is who he is, I like him that way, some don’t. My problem with him is for the different reasons now, so my fan status is on hold ATM until further notice, and I am signing off for the time being since I don’t have second favorit to cheer for and the new one is yet to step in.


Okiegal Says:

@J.S…….I hear you on chasing Rafa and spending my only son’s inheritance! Lol Sounds like a plan……but I am stymied in the USA…….don’t fly……..but I can chase the tournament trail in the states!

As a fan, I am tickled pink that he has hired Moya. This is great news. I am excited to get 2017 started! I’m obsessed with Rafa too and that ain’t no 🐂🐂🐂! Ready for some Rafa 🎾🎾🎾🎾. VAMOS!!!


jane Says:

i agree with wog boy; what’s this about spending money on an “image”?
i like novak just as he is.


jane Says:

i think i know why lots of rafa fans don’t like novak, or “watching” him, but there’s no need to elaborate. to each his/ her own.


Okiegal Says:

I don’t know a thing about this Pepe guy and probably should do some research but why the big fuss from some of his fans over him sitting in Novak’s box??? Help me out Jane?? You don’t seem to be opposed to it like some are…. just curious…..WB doesn’t seem thrilled with the idea.


Margot Says:

Carlos looks extremely like Pepe. Is this a cunning plan to take over the tennis world?


Giles Says:

Does anyone have inside information as to the reason why Raonic and Moyà split?


Willow Says:

I Think the problem doesnt necassarily lie with Novak himself, its more to to with his bullying fans that come out of the woodwork trash all and sundray, but also the other all time greats ….


Willow Says:

As a Rafa fan i dont care if hes gay, straight, married, single, has babies, long hair or short hair (which a poster asked me about the other day), the thing i care about is his tennis, i think too much is made about these sort of things on this forum sometimes, living their lives through their idols, for goodness sake people get a grip ….


Senorita Says:

Rafa’s problems are to do with injury and fitness not really his tennis technique. Since 2012 he has been plagued with injury as well as having appendicitis. He dominated in 2013 when he was injury free.


Willow Says:

And BTW I know all fan bases are quilty of what i said at 5.12 am, so im not being selective ….


BBB Says:

Okie, I think he’s viewed as a bit of a Rasputin by some.


Kimberly Says:

This is great news.


J-Kath Says:

Willow:

I don’t think Andy fans are guilty of “trashing”. Perhaps because there are so few on Tennis X they tend to be mostly defensive. Support from yourself, AM, Okie and others for whom Andy is second favourite is always good to witness.


jalep Says:

LOL Margot….snort :D


jalep Says:

Moya and Rafa — it’s good news.


BBB Says:

I’m not an expert on Rafa’s form, but I thought there were rumblings that his forehand was not quite the same.

In any event, Rafa’s style is so physical that I’m not sure just going back to what he did when he was 4 years younger is the best way forward. One of the reasons Federer continues to do well at his age is that he’s been willing to make changes to adapt to the inevitable lost step, and of all players his game is least likely to be so dramatically affected by age. So, kudos to Rafa for this clever move, which has the benefit of not being disruptive to his close-knit circle.


AndyMira Says:

@Senorita 6:08 am…Very agree..While everyone else was excited with this new added member in Rafa’s team….I’m not so much..IMO,it’s not about coach,it’s about BIG WHITE ELEPHANT that domain in Rafa’s fragile body..Atm,my biggest concern is his wrist..Only 2,3 days ago,he said that he’s still not ready to play single…not ready to play single when in just 3 weeks time he will open his season in Dubai?..That means he must still feel uncomfortable with his wrist…To me,he’s already on his way to his former self when he won MC and Barcelona..And then the first 2 rounds he played at FO,his perfomance was superb!And then his wrist injury came and ended everything except from gold medal in RIO…So,what would Carlos do when he’s injured again?Only one thing i do regret very much..when he’s injury free last year,he didn’t do anything to change his situation..Not a thing!And now,at the edge of 31 years old in 5,6 months and hampered with major injuries all over his body,start thinking hire new coach?Okay!


J-Kath Says:

Giles;

Moya and Raonic – 11 months together and Raonic gets to No. 3 ranking! But, Raonic had more than one “coach/advisor” – there was John Mac. ++. Seems like it was Raonic’s call…perhaps he thought he should have done better?
Mystery continues….


Giles Says:

Carlos looks nothing like Pepe. Pepe looks like Pepe! Lol


lakie Says:

Senorita and AM, I fully agree with you. Nadal’s problems have been injuries.
AM, last year he appeared injury free but mediocre. Probably because he was still not playing his old game as he feared it would reopen injuries or create new ones. He was tentative. When he decided to go all out and trust his body in the attempt to win RG, we saw how well he played but his fears proved true and he injured his wrist. So until his body can withstand his game, we cannot expect much from him. It is unrealistic to expect a player who was played tennis for more than 2 decades of which 15 have been as a pro, to completely overhaul his game. No one has done it, not even Fed. They tinker a bit with their existing repertoire, add a few little things here and there but drastic overhaul, no. Even if they did it, they would need years of practice before the entirely new game would help them win slams. As time is something they cannot afford and their interest in playing tennis is to win the big prizes, they stay mainly in the proven game which has been honed by countless hours of practice. Also changing one’s game drastically at a late stage in one’s career can create new types of injuries.


Senorita Says:

Without constant injury, Rafa would dominate the tour. If someone could just wave a magic wand and make him fit again, it will solve all his problems.


BBB Says:

Does it have to be an overhaul? Patrick M got Serena to come into the net more often to spare her wheels, for example.


jane Says:

not sure giles, but i’d be curious to know. the reports said they remain on good terms:

https://ca.news.yahoo.com/raonic-parts-ways-coach-moya-excellent-074702408–ten.html


Giles Says:

Hey Margot. How many times did you vote? #Spoty


J.S. Says:

Ya’ll are killing me! I have spent the last 24 hours booking airline, hotel and tourney tickets. RAFA will be back and win….I can’t accept anything else!
Everyone wants him to get a “new” coach but now we are back to his injuries again. Oh brother! I am waiving the magic wand as I type. If it doesn’t work, I’m setting up a go fund me account for being so stupid :)
Fingers Crossed (toes too)


Giles Says:

Well done Andy winning BBC SPOTY


lakie Says:

The net game is adding something to the basic stuff.Top players are constantly adding something to their game but the basic game remains unchanged. That is what Serena did. Fed too started going to the net more often and tried the drop shot. But this cry for new coaches and fresh eyes is based on the false assumption that a player benefits from constantly changing his game and coaches.
Some players think changing or adding a coach is going to make them a Federer or a Serena. But while strategy can help and adding some new tricks can help, changing the basic game isn’t an option. A Raonic isn’t going to become a Sampras no matter how many coaches he changes.


lakie Says:

i read my previous post and it gives the impression that Fed tried to go to the net to try the drop shot but that is not what I meant. They are two independent strategies though at times they could be combined. In fact I do not think the drop shot experiment was very useful. I remember Fed in his earlier days did not like the drop shot but in his “old” age decided to give it a shot.


J.S. Says:

Congrats to Andy!!! Very deserving, he had a great year!!!


Humble Rafa Says:

Moya man is very special. Uncle Toni will coach me. I needed someone to manage my doctors and carry my knee machine. Glad the Moya man was available.


AndyMira Says:

@Giles 1:45pm…So what if M wanna say Carlos looks like Pepe?Let her..i even wouldn’t mind if she said Carlos looks like JLo or Britney Spears..Give her a break Giles!This year is very special to her and all Andy fans..let her do or say anything she wants okay sis?


AndyMira Says:

@JS…If i were you,i will book a ticket for FO next year..My guess,Rafa hired Carlos because he wants to give all out at FO[and pray that he will be injury free at this time]…He knew he don’t have much time left..So,book it!


lakie Says:

Thanks AM @7:37 pm, you really are a sweetheart! Thanks for the wishes!
AM @ 8:14 pm,
Yes, I too would advise a Nadal fan like JS to book for FO next year.


Okiegal Says:

@BBB thanks for your response……I guess Jane did not see my question to her…….I’m just rather confused why some are put off by Pepe……he obviously loves tennis……


Margot Says:

Cheers Giles. Didn’t watch, didn’t vote, not my kind of thing…and Andrew Castle might’ve been there….EEEEK! But thrilled for Andy, natch. Just heard him saying on R4 he thinks his “greatest achievement was getting to No 1. Wonder what his next goal might be.
Aaaah AM darling, Giles is fine too :) Far worse foes on here for you to take up your mighty guarding sword against. x


Margot Says:

And a very good morning to you too dear AM.
BTW not all of 1-10 applies but I’m certainly not telling which don’t……;)


AndyMira Says:

@M…Ha ha ha…It doesn’t matter to me whether you tell me or not M,almost all of it suits your image in my head pretty well..Hah!


AndyMira Says:

Btw…it’s not morning anymore to me M..it’s 4pm already..


Giles Says:

Hey AM. What’s your problem eh? I was jesting with Margot and you have to come along and interfere. Why? And please dont call me sis. Thank you.


J.S. Says:

I booked Rotterdam and Monte Carlo, French Open doesn’t work for me – sad (:
BUT hopefully I will see Murray and Nadal in Monte Carlo! Hoping Andy adds Rotterdam to his schedule too.
Peace to my new friends!! :)


AndyMira Says:

@J.S…Monte Carlo it is!Make sure you tell me,what shirt you’re going to wear J.S…I want to wave at you!

PS..M..I can’t believe it!Another cheerful Rafan and 2nd class Andy fan!!Ha ha ha…


Willow Says:

True J-Kath, Murray fans not so much, in fact very little ….


Willow Says:

Congrats to Andy Murray on winning SPOTY for a record 3rd time, richly deserved ….


J.S. Says:

LOL – you folks are the best!!! Yes, should I wear “will you marry me, Rafa”? HAHA – I am seriously to old for this, I would probably roll over and pass out if he got to close.
How can you not like Murray? He is so “real”, feisty and messy! When he gave himself a haircut during a match I fell for him. Did you guys see the hair trim? You know his wife was thinking “WTF are you doing” :)
My excuse to go to South of France since Murray signed up. Believe it or not, the tennis pass is less in Monte Carlo over Barcelona. Although, a bottle of water probably costs 100euros in Monte Carlo. hmmmm??
Did you see Rafa’s twitter, people are ruthless, I am going to smack all of them!

Peace Rafa Fans!!!


J.S. Says:

J-Kath just read you link on Murray…..

“Actually, I’ve got a bone to pick with my wife because about an hour ago she told me she’d voted for Nick Skelton. Not smart from her with Christmas coming up.”

HYSTERICAL!!!!


J-Kath Says:

J.S.

That is hilarious – you should sent a “twitter” to Andy – he may give U a freebie for the French Open (please ask for 2 – 1 for me) I have a sister with a big pad relatively close (as the bird flies) – get you a bed (maybe in one of the unfinished stables!!!


skeezer Says:

“Rafa’s problems are to do with injury and fitness not really his tennis technique.”
Disagree here. His technique and type of physicality imo are the reasons for most of his injuries.


J.S. Says:

J-Kath Sleeping is the least of our problems….LOL We will figure it out! I sent a tweet to Andy’s mom for his damn schedule but no response, HAHA!!!! I think I am limited on travel after Monte Carlo but I pay for 2 beds and its only me. SO>>>>>> Come join!!! OMG how much fun we would have!
Skeezer – your point? Rafa’s injuries any different than any other athlete that gives 100%….confused???


J-Kath Says:

J.S.

Well, Andy is definitely going to be at the French. Have you looked at Andy’s official website? PS: Are you UK based – no need to provide details – however friendly this site might seem it’s not immune to hacking!!!


J.S. Says:

OKAY I tweeted Andy – LOL – I have lost my mind!!!
BTW here is my twitter @jayme1133


J.S. Says:

J-Kath….
No USA citizen but in Europe for a few months so taking advantage of the tennis here! I’m going home in May…..LOL
Come stay with me, tennis passes aren’t that expensive, I always buy the full week pass besides at Indian Wells. Last year I watched Rafa play 2 games and flew home, same in Cincinnati, that is why I am so passionate about a FULL week of tennis this year.
We will see – hoping, praying and begging!


J-Kath Says:

J.G.
Gosh – you are US citizen. I am welling-up – it is now the beginning of the accident events that caused the death of my American husband – (who had dual US/UK citizenship.). Originally, he came from PA and graduated as a geologist – two of his Uni/College friends (currently in Virginia) stayed with me in Scotland 6 weeks ago! I’d love to share more – but we must (1) be careful and (2) other Tennis X readers will be uncomfortable.

I too love tennis – but am feeling fragile especially at this time and can only think about European events.

Would like to know which State you live in as have stayed for various short periods – e.g. California, Nevada, Montana and PA.


J.S. Says:

Go to my twitter, it’s private, and request to follow, and we can chat via email….much more private!
:)


J-Kath Says:

J.S.

Thank you. Tomorrow. Will let U know.


skeezer Says:

“Skeezer – your point? Rafa’s injuries any different than any other athlete that gives 100%….confused???”
His unorthodox buggy whip FH for one thing, causing increased strain all the way down to the legs, and his unusual muscular physique(especially early on in his career……was not a typical flexible type tennis bod), this led to unnecessary wear and tear and more prone to injury, which I said was gonna happen a long time ago and did in fact happen. This has all been discussed a long time ago…


AndyMira Says:

@Giles…Sorry,didn’t mean to offend you…was just teasing you actually..Thousand apologies!


AndyMira Says:

@J.S 11:28 am…Hey!Don’t tell me that you’re the one who shouts “Rafa,will you marry me?” when he did an exo with Delpo in Madison Square garden a few years back??Ha ha ha…


BBB Says:

Okie – I don’t really care about Pepe, but I think the problem is this – Nole had a subpar second half to the season, and people are trying to figure out why. Some believe Pepe is a snake-oil salesman and is at a minimum having an adverse effect on Nole’s game.

Separately, I thought Federer’s comments on Nole’s slump were refreshing, so thanks to whoever posted them (I can’t find the link ATM).


Margot Says:

Good afternoon AM honey. Hope you are having a very good day.
Very early morning here….oh us time travellers eh? xxxxxx


AndyMira Says:

@M…For once you’re right!Ha ha..Now,it’s 5:40 pm already …Hope you’re going to have a wonderful day!Nothing but the best for my Angel!!WOOOHOOO!!

http://www.amusingfun.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/good-morning-love-quote.jpg


J.S. Says:

J-Kath Sorry about your loss and the accident, that’s terrible!

Did everyone see Raonic’s new coach? He is the TD for Rotterdam, I guess Roanic will be there come Feb. wonder if he is getting an appearance fee….conflict of interest?

Have a great day folks!! :)


Okiegal Says:

@BBB 8:36…… Thanks for the response on Pepe!


Okiegal Says:

@BBB 8:36…… Thanks for the response on Pepe!


Okiegal Says:

@J-Kath…..My sincere thoughts during this difficult time of the year for you……


J-Kath Says:

Okiegal: Thank you for your kind thoughts. All sorts of mini-anniversaries from now on through end of January. Hugs to you.

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