• Injury: Djokovic's shoulder clears Nadal's path

The lost finals against Roger Federer (2010) and Novak Djokovic (2013) were a bittersweet climax to two of Rafa Nadal's best seasons. So this year, after the conquest of Roland Garros and US Open, the Mallorcan seems determined to bet heavily on the ATP Finals. "They are the priority objective," admits Carlos Moyá, Rafa's coach, also a finalist in the former teacher tournament in 1998.

The presentation of the Legend's Cup tournament in Palma de Mallorca served as a stage for the appearance of Moyá, very frank with Nadal's plans. "Rafa is very motivated and free of injuries. We will try to get the best prepared. We are evaluating all the options to get it," he said about the tournament, which takes place in London between November 10 and 18.

Just after the Davis Cup Finals kick off in Madrid. An appointment that Nadal, waiting for his physical evolution, has also highlighted in red in his agenda. "The keys to his success in recent years is that he has dosed very well. He chose the calendar very well and has not played more than he has to play," he analyzed on this course, where he played 53 games in 11 tournaments.

"Roger can earn some more"

The formidable results (four titles and only one defeat before the semifinals) now allow the assault on number one, held by Novak Djokovic since last November. "Finishing the year at the top of the ranking is a real possibility," said Moyá.

Of course, the coach does not seem to forget the difficulties experienced in the spring, with those defeats against Fabio Fognini (Monte Carlo), Dominic Thiem (Barcelona) and Stefanos Tsitsipas (Madrid). "In April things were very complicated. Those who are not in our day to day are not aware of it. But his incredible ability to overcome allowed him the opportunity to continue competing," said the coach.

Regarding the possibility of unseating Roger Federer as the tennis player with the most Grand Slam titles in history, Moyá downplayed the matter. "It's not something that obsesses us. Rafa is in a position to keep winning, but Roger can also win some more. Now we just want to remain competitive and improve."

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  • Rafael Nadal
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