“He will be better than what we saw last week,” Top coach Carlos Moya confident of Rafael Nadal’s chances against Alex de Minaur

Rafael Nadal has started his Madrid Open campaign on a bright note.

“He will be better than what we saw last week,” Top coach Carlos Moya confident of Rafael Nadal’s chances against Alex de Minaur

Carlos Moya and Rafael Nadal (via Imago)

Just nine days after Rafael Nadal played with Alex de Minaur in the Barcelona Open, the duo would be meeting again in Madrid. However, Carlos Moya, Nadal’s primary coach, believes a more prepared Rafa will be up against the Australian star tomorrow.

Nadal lost to de Minaur in Barcelona 5-7, 1-6, but the Spanish legend had played only one game in over two months before their meeting. In Madrid, he has now played three matches and pulled out a masterclass performance against 16-year-old Darwin Blanch in the opening round yesterday.

Also, the Spaniard leads the Aussie 3-2 in their head-to-head tie. Nadal will be hoping to use his clay experience to defeat de Minaur, but that would be a difficult task, as the Spanish legend has still not fully recovered from his injuries. He recently stated that he doesn’t feel 100 percent ready, but he’s happy to compete.

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Speaking on the official Twitch channel of the Mutua Madrid Open, Moya, one-time French Open winner, revealed that Nadal has looked better since the defeat against de Minaur. He added that he’s not sure of he will win but the coaching team believes he will put in a competitive performance.

Against de Minaur we will see a different Rafa. In Barcelona, I did not see him prepared against a rival made like Alex. I think we will see a Rafa who has spent 8 days and that every minute he spends on the court is a plus. I think that tomorrow we can have a more competitive game than the other day. I don't know if he will win, but within the team we are more confident in what we can see. It will be better than what we saw last week.
Carlos Moya said

Rafael Nadal feels he will be surprised if he wins against Alex de Minaur

While Carlos Moya believes Rafael Nadal will beat Alex de Minaur, the Spanish legend himself is not sure about his chances against the Aussie. This is a shocking revelation from the Spaniard who has won the Madrid Open a record five times but may be trying to get de Minaur’s head.

Nadal added that winning or losing against the Mexico Open champion isn’t the most important, as he looks forward to realizing his fitness level as the season progresses.

Rafael Nadal and Alex de Minaur
Rafael Nadal and Alex de Minaur (via Imago)
I would be totally surprised if I beat Alex de Minaur on Saturday. At the moment, win or lose isn’t the most important. One more win or two won’t change anything about my career.
Rafael Nadal said post his first round win at the Madrid Open

The match will be a big preparation for how much he is fit to play in Rome next month, as he also eyes the French Open and the Paris Olympics.

On the other hand, de Minaur has reached three quarterfinals this season and has won one ATP title. He has been a better player since achieving his career-high of No.11 and will look for another win over Nadal.

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