Nadal splits with longtime coach Roig

Rafael Nadal has parted company with longtime coach Francisco Roig, the world No. 2 confirmed on Friday/

The 36-year-old Spaniard has worked with the 54-year-old former ATP player for nearly two decades.

The split was reportedly amicable, with Roig possibly set to work with American Sloane Stephens on the WTA, Spanish media suggested.

The departure of Roig leaves former No. 1 Carlos Moya as main mentor to Nadal.

“I want to inform you that Francis is leaving the team,” Nadal said.

“He has been a very important person in my career and I am grateful to him for these years of work and friendship.

“I was a child when we started working together: together with my uncle Toni we started in the circuit.

“Francis is a great coach, he knows tennis very well and has helped me a lot to be better every time. I only have words of gratitude, I wish him the best of luck in his new project”.

Main photo:Rafael NADAL practicing with coach Francisco Roig at Melbourne Park in preparation for the Australian Open, 2021 by Tennis Australia/ Mark Peterson