Rafael Nadal has shown good progress in training since recovering from a hip injury but his coach Carlos Moya still worries about how the former world number one’s body will hold up against the rigours of Grand Slam tennis.<\/p>\n
The 37-year-old suffered a muscle issue at Melbourne Park in January that wiped out his season but will return at Brisbane this month before playing in the January 14-28 Australian Open where he won two of his 22 Grand Slam titles.<\/p>\n
The Spaniard, who had surgery in June, has said 2024 could be his final year on tour and has stepped up training in recent months in order to make a comeback and ensure he finishes his career on court.<\/p>\n
“Rafa’s going to go from training, which he’s doing very well, to competing. It’s impossible to have the same conditions in training as in a match,” Moya said in an interview with the ATP Tour.<\/p>\n
“Playing the best of five sets, win, rest, return to court two days later … That’s the doubt I have right now, especially for a Grand Slam. But we have time. If the Australian Open started tomorrow, it would be a real fear.<\/p>\n
“There’s still a month left, a tournament before in Brisbane, demanding training … I think all of this will put him in a position to be able to endure it. But now that’s my fear.”<\/p>\n
Nadal dropped out of the top 100 for the first time in 20 years earlier this season and has slipped to number 668 but is eligible for a protected ranking having been injured and not competing for at least six months.<\/p>\n
However, Moya said Nadal would not be able to avoid strong opponents in the early rounds and would need favourable draws to build up his rhythm.<\/p>\n
“I’ve never been of the thought that Rafa needs rhythm because he’s too good for that,” Moya said. “But now the situation is different.”<\/p>\n