Rafael Nadal's coach Carlos Moya claims defending French Open champion 'not at his 100%'

Judging by way Rafael Nal has cruised through to quarter-finals of French Open 2020, re are few arguments to make against him being at his best. However, according to his coach Carlos Moya, Nal is actually struggling with his form a little bit. Even though conditions at Court Philippe-Chatrier are t exactly kind of conditions Rafa thrives in, re is little doubt that even on a b day, he can be better than most on clay. 

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Coach Carlos Moya on Rafa's French Open 2020 form

In an interview with  ATP Tour, Moya said that even though Rafael Nal has h trouble getting into quarter-finals at Roland Garros, he still isn't at his 100%. Moya said that extended lockdown has h a significant impact on 12-time French Open winner's mental preparedness and his physical form.

He has previously talked about how uncertainty of return of tour coupled with social distancing measures me it difficult for Nal to train regularly. Moya explained that it was only after schedule was released that Rafa really went into intensive practice sessions, and that cost him a little in Rome. 

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According to Moya, only thing that can have a person 100% prepared is actual match. Being put in high-pressure situations like having to defend breakpoints and win tie-breaks against difficult competitors is what he believes will give Rafa confidence to dominate in finals. However, Moya also said that he didn't want his student to have too many long matches - something that hasn't been an issue so far - as he believes it is best to go into finals properly rested. 

Talking about life in French Open 2020 bubble, Moya said that y weren't finding it very difficult to just to conditions. He said that dinners outside h been replaced TV watching and playing card games to decompress after matches. All in all, he said that y were grateful to be playing tournament at all and focused on ir main objective - winning 13th title. 

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Rafa's French Open 2020 run

Despite some complaints about conditions at French Open 2020, Rafa has powered through his opponents with real resistance. His biggest challenge came in his round one match against Egor Gerasimov, but even n he was never in any real danger. Rafa won that match 6-4, 6-4, 6-2, a sound defeat by all means, and yet his worst performance French open so far.

After working out rustiness and court conditions, Rafa dominated over American Mackenzie McDonald 6-1, 6-0, 6-3, Stefa Travaglia 6-1, 6-4, 6-0 and Sebastian Korda 6-1, 6-1, 6-2. 

He will face Italian youngster Jannik Sinner who has just come off a victory over . 6 seed Alexander Zverev. This will be first meeting between two, and perhaps Rafa's first real challenge at tournament. If Rafa gets through, he may meet US Open 2020 champion, Dominic Thiem, in semi-final. Rafa will be hoping to equal Roger Federer's 20 Grand Slam title record with a win in Paris. 

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Im Credits: Roland Garros website