Moya quietly optimistic on Rafa Rome return

Coach Carlos Moya is dropping strong hints at the Madrid Masters that Rafael Nadal will be able to end his three-month injury exile from tennis by making a return for next week’s start of the Rome Masters.

Nadal has not played since losing with a hip injury in the Australian Open second round in January.

The player who turns 37 next month is aiming at all costs to be on court for the May 38 start of Roland Garros, which he has won 14 times.

“We’re doing an hour and a half a day (of training) and we continue to progress day by day,” the former No. 1 told France’s L’Equipe.

“It’s not even about being optimistic or pessimistic , just to observe the state of your progress on a daily basis.”

Moya added: “These are difficult times because we missed tournaments that we love, but Rafa is a warrior, with an indestructible mind and when the time comes to return, we will be very motivated.

“It’s impossible to define the calendar, but the objective is to go to Rome and if it is not possible we will try to be at Roland Garros.”

Main photo:-Rafa Nadal and coach Carlos Moya at a practice session by Roger Parker International Sports Fotos Ltd