Nadal Adds Moya To Coaching Team

There will be a Mallorcan flair on the ATP World Tour in 2017, as Rafael Nadal announced on Saturday that he has brought on countryman Carlos Moya as a member of his coaching staff. Two of the three Spaniards to ascend to World No. 1 in the Emirates ATP Rankings, Nadal and Moya will join forces immediately, in preparation for the upcoming season.

“I am very excited to announce that Carlos Moya will join my team immediately and work together with Toni (Nadal) and Francisco Roig,” Nadal said. “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 at my practices and competition.”

Moya is no stranger to the coaching ranks, having guided Milos Raonic to a career year on the ATP World Tour and a year-end position of No. 3 in the Emirates ATP Rankings. Raonic entered the 2016 season at No. 14 when Moya was hired.

“Toni Nadal called me and to be honest it was great to receive that call,” said Moya. “To be able to help Rafa is something special for me and I am sure that together with Toni, Francisco 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.”

The Mallorca natives established a friendly rivalry on the court towards the end of Moya’s playing career. They met on eight occasions from 2003 to 2008, including at four different ATP World Tour Masters 1000 events, with Nadal owning a 6-2 edge. The longtime friends also guided Spain to the Davis Cup title in 2004.

In addition, Moya will join Nadal’s new academy as a technical adviser. “The Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar is an important challenge in an already very professional structure with great professionals that already do an excellent work,” Moya added.

Nadal is set to open his 2017 campaign at the Brisbane International presented by Suncorp on 2 January. The World No. 9 is hoping to bounce back after ending his 2016 season early due to a wrist injury. Despite the ailment, he compiled a 39-14 match record, including two titles at the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters (d. Monfils) and the Barcelona Open BancSabadell (d. Nishikori).