Coach Carlos: Rafa return makes for tight timetable

Coach Carlos Moya is pleased that Rafael Nadal still has a week or two left prior to his comeback from nearly a year of injury.

And the 1998 Roland Garros champion has confessed that he’s glad there remains almost a month until the start of hostilities at the Australian Open.

“We have time.,” the Spanish mentor said to ATP media.

“If the Australian Open started tomorrow, it would be a real fear.”

Moya added: “There is still a month left (before the January 14 start in Melbourne) , a tournament before in Brisbane, (and some) demanding training.

“All of this will put Rafa in a position to be able to endure it. But right now that’s my fear.”

Nadal will get his first test since losing in an Open second round last January to test himself in match condition when he plays in Brisbane starting New Year’s Eve.

But in an ominous sign, during the two times Nadal has lost in a Grand Slam first round, the first came in Melbourne in 2016.

“Although he can play using the protected ranking in his first nine tournaments upon his return, that will not prevent him from (facing) very strong opponents from the first round.

“It’s clear that the draws are going to play an important role in the return, especially because we want him to play matches.

“I have never thought that Rafa needs rhythm because he is too good for that, but now the situation is different.”

Moya said that a December training block at Nadal’s academy outpost in Kuwait has inspired confidence.

“Rafa is going to go from training, which he is doing very well, to competing. And it is impossible to have the same conditions in training as in a match..

“Playing the best of five sets, win, rest, return to the court two days later… That is the doubt I have right now, especially for a Grand Slam.”