Rafael Nadal’s coach has admitted he’s already in a “period of mourning” after the Spaniard announced his retirement.
Carlos Moya has been working with his fellow Spaniard since 2016. He’s now struggling to come to terms with the end of his charge’s career.
It comes after Nadal confirmed he would retire at next month’s Davis Cup Finals.
The 38-year-old has barely played over the last two years while battling injuries. Last week, he announced that he would end his career while representing Spain in the World Cup of men’s tennis.
It will be a fitting farewell for Nadal, who will be represented by champions past and present from his home nation. Carlos Alcaraz is also on the team while David Ferrer will be their captain. Feliciano Lopez is the tournament director.
While they will all be sad to see Nadal call time on his career, one retired Spanish player will be hit harder than most. Former world No. 1 Moya has been coaching his compatriot since 2016 and admitted he’s already mourning his time as Nadal’s mentor.
“I will now have a period of mourning at work because something breaks up with someone like Rafa who we have known since we were children,” he told Radioestadio Noche. “The only way to feel something similar would be to train a son.
