'Rafael Nadal had never said such a thing to me before a match', says top coach

Before the start of Roland Garros 2020, there were many doubts about Rafael Nadal's chances of triumphing for the umpteenth time in Paris. The different placement in the calendar due to the pandemic and the use of the new Wilson balls had generated questions, sharpened by the premature defeat remedied by the Spaniard at the International BNL of Italy. The former world number 1 managed once again to silence his detractors by winning the title despite the unprecedented conditions, which by Rafa's own admission were not the most congenial to his tennis. The performance of the final against Novak Djokovic, who hoped to score his 18th Grand Slam and repeat the 2016 triumph, was especially stunned. The 34-year-old Majorcan showed one of the best performances of his career, demolishing the number 1 in the world with the score of 6-0 6-2 7-5 and thus equaling the all-time record of 20 Majors of eternal rival Roger Federer. In a recent interview with We Love Tennis, his coach Carlos Moya revealed how incredibly high Nadal's confidence was that day.

Moya on the Roland Garros final

"When they come to tell us that the final will be played indoors, we wonder how we're going to announce that to Rafael Nadal," Carlos Moya said. "15 minutes from the match, Francisco Roig (Rafa's co-trainer) told him so. And there, Rafa's response was: 'I don't care, it doesn't change anything, I'm going to win this match'." Moya believes Nadal's comment was not arrogant, but instead that it reflected his self-belief and confidence. "Rafa had never said such a thing to me before a match," Moya added. "He knew he wouldn't fail. Nadal is such a humble person. It wasn't arrogance, it was a feeling of confidence, of security." Meanwhile, Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi said, “There are many admirable athletes. Rafa Nadal, Federer, LeBron – in all sports there is always someone who stands out and is admirable for his work.” Rightly so, there are a number of sports played around the world. Many a time, they are played simultaneously along with the others. LeBron James and Stephen Curry in basketball, Messi and Ronaldo in football, and Federer and Nadal in tennis. These guys have contributed immensely towards their respective sports. Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are remembered for their matches. Although there are 2 matches, in particular, that have stood out. The Wimbledon Final in 2008 and the Australian Open Final in 2017.  In the 2008 Wimbledon Final, after 4 hours and 48 mins, Rafael Nadal edged past Roger Federer  6-4, 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-7(8), 9-7 to lift his first title in London. The 2017 Australian Open Final saw the Swiss get the better of the Spaniard, winning the match: 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3. 

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/2WSRuXB