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Rafael Nadal and Dominic Thiem congratulate themselves at the end of the Men Final of the 2018 French Open – Day Fithteen at Roland Garros on June 10, 2018 in Paris, France. (Photo by Rindoff Petroff/Suu/Getty Images)
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Rafael Nadal and Dominic Thiem congratulate themselves at the end of the Men Final of the 2018 French Open – Day Fithteen at Roland Garros on June 10, 2018 in Paris, France. (Photo by Rindoff Petroff/Suu/Getty Images)
Both Rafael Nadal and Dominic Thiem will travel without their main coach for the upcoming Australian Open 2021. Considering this, Paul Annacone, former coach of Roger Federer, evaluated the situation of the World No. 2 and No. 3.
It was Rafa’s coach who first broke out the news that he wouldn’t be going to Australia. Due to the recent spike of coronavirus cases in Spain, Carlos Moya decided to stay with his family. However, he mentioned that he will be following up with the team from home.
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Soon after, Thiem’s coach Nicolas Massu tested positive for the virus in Chile. As a result, he cannot travel to Adelaide with the Austrian star.
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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 29: Dominic Thiem of Austria and Rafael Nadal of Spain embrace at the net following their Men’s Singles Quarterfinal Match on day ten of the 2020 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 29, 2020, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Even though this is a major setback for both of them, they both have trustworthy second coaches. The Spaniard has Francisco Roig, with who he has worked since 2005, before his first Grand Slam.
On the other hand, Thiem will have his father, Wolfgang Thiem, by his side. Notably, Wolfgang is a professional coach and the captain of Team Austria for the ATP Cup 2021.
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Roger Federer’s former coach on Rafael Nadal and Dominic Thiem at Australian Open 2021
Paul Annacone spoke about how Carlos did not travel last year either. Additionally, he mentioned that this wouldn’t affect the 20 majors champion much.
“That’s why he has Francisco Roig with him for such a long time,” Paul said. “Sometimes both coaches go, other times not.”
On Thiem’s side, Annacone concluded that the Chilean coach has been instrumental in the Austrian’s development. Therefore, the reigning US Open champion might miss on that support. “These guys have done such great work together,” he said. “I mean, Nicolas Massu is a catalyst to a big step into the next level for Dominic Thiem.”
The Demon got himself another trophy. 🏆@Steve_Weissman, @paul_annacone, and @jon_wertheim talk @alexdeminaur's 4th ATP title, and whose coaches won't be in Australia → https://t.co/tPoe44TDv0#TCLive pic.twitter.com/PCk48B2AE3
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) January 13, 2021
However, in the end, Paul did mention that the 27-year-old’s father is an experienced coach. Given that, Massu’s absence won’t pose too much of a challenge.
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The biggest challenge for Nadal, Thiem in Australia is Novak Djokovic
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SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA: Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates winning a point during his final singles match against Rafael Nadal of Spain during day 10 of the ATP Cup at Ken Rosewall Arena in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
The top 3 ATP players will begin their 2021 together in Adelaide at an exhibition match. Then they will move to Melbourne Park for the ATP Cup and next to the Australian Open.
World No. 1 Novak Djokovic is the defending champion of both tournaments. He will look to repeat the same this year as well.
Do you think Nadal and Thiem can get past Djokovic in Australia?
Also Read: Is Australian Open 2021 Risking Everyone After Allowing Tennys Sandgren To Participate?
