Moya joins Nadal's coaching team

Madrid, Dec 18 (IANS) Former World no. 1 Carlos Moya has joined the coaching team of multiple Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal.

The retired Spanish tennis star is the newest addition to the coaching staff which also includes Nadal's uncle Toni and Francis Roig.

Nadal said in a statement on Saturday that he feels great joy to announce that his compatriot Carlos has joined his coaching team, reports Efe.

"To have someone like Carlos who is not only a friend but also a very important person in my career, is something special," Nadal said.

The Spanish star added that Moya will also join the Rafa Nadal Academy.

Moya on his part, said he received a call from Toni Nadal while he was at the International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) competition.

"To be able to help Rafa is something special for me and I am sure that, together with Toni, Francis and the rest of the team, we have a great common project," Moya said.

Moya added that Nadal is a special player and that he has "a lot of trust and confidence" that the tennis player will continue to win titles.

Toni said he called Moya after he had found out that the former world no.1 would not be staying with Milos Raonic.

Toni added that he thinks that Moya will be a good addition to his coaching team and to all projects such as the future of Rafa Academy.

Nadal has finally joined the "super-coach" trend, after previously working with his uncle and other low-profile coaches during his career.

All of Nadal's opponents have worked with Grand Slam champions, such as Andy Murray, who worked with Ivan Lendl, Novak Djokovic with Boris Becker and Roger Federer with Stefan Edberg.

--IANS

ajb/vt