Rafael Nadal bizarre punishment revealed by coach Carlos Moya
RAFAEL NADAL used to be punished by coach Carlos Moya two decades before the pair teamed up.
Moya, a former world No 1, has always been a good friend of the Nadal family and used to practice with his fellow Spaniard when he was breaking through as a talented youngster.
Moving on 20 years and Nadal is now top of the world rankings with Moya by his side at all tournaments.
But the coach has now reflected on his early years with Nadal and how the two were super competitive, even when playing video games, of which the loser was punished.
“I had to make an effort to beat him, and he was just 14 years old," Moya told Gazzetta dello Sport.
I remember that there were ultimate challenges, and with related punishments
“I knew that in that moment I had the future in front of me, while mine was already in decline.
“I remember that there were ultimate challenges, and with related punishments.
“Once he lost [playing video games] he was obliged to go climb down the stairs by his knees.”
Nadal split with his former coach and uncle Toni Nadal last year and brought in Moya as his replacement.
And Moya believes his brings different qualifies to Nadal’s camp.
“I am a friend, not part of the family like Toni,” Moya added.
“I bought different ideas and both our knowledge improved.
“Then, on court, I am only his coach: off, I can be his coach for five minutes and his friend Carlos for the other five.”