Rafael Nadal was hit with a string of injuries in 2016. Consequently, it concluded his hopes of clinching his 10th Roland Garros crown. During this low phase of his career, Nadal appointed Carlos Moya to his team. Eventually, Moya was successful in reviving his career.

Soon after that, Rafa stopped working with his uncle and longtime coach Toni Nadal. Also, he simultaneously trained with  Francisco Roig who has been part of his team since 2005.

In a recent interview with Alex Corretja, Moya talked about working with legendary tennis player Nadal. “The deeper you are and the longer you are – you realize how admirable he (Rafael Nadal) is even more, what he is and does, it is hard for me to criticize Rafa, even when people say that he isn’t playing well and he loses, but I know he’s done his best,” Moya shared.

“A very important person in my career” – Rafael Nadal on Carlos Moya 

Moya helped out Rafa when he needed it the most. The Spaniard ace believes Moya brought significant changes in his tennis career. Also, he’s the man behind the evolution of Nadal’s serve. Notably, Moya increased the winning percentage on his serves. Moreover, Rafa now aces more frequently than he used to before.

“To have someone like Carlos, who is not only a friend. But also a very important person in my career is something special,” Nadal stated in 2016. When he appointed Moya, Nadal was on his Slam-less streak since the 2014 French Open. But after Moya’s ingress in Rafa’s team, the Spaniard was successful in lifting up his 10th Paris Major crown. Thereafter, Nadal won four more Major titles while working in tandem with Moya.

Former French Open champion and World Number One, Moya continued to sing the praises of his unrivaled pupil, Rafael Nadal

“It’s impossible to criticize him, after all, he’s achieved but more than that, the attitude that he has every day. In each match, I am reassured in knowing that he’s gonna give everything and do his best. That you are going to have to kill him in order to beat him,” Moya added.