Rafael Nadal's ex-coach snaps back at Spaniard being used as an example of 'slave to tennis' amid Carlos Alcaraz comparisons

Rafael Nadal’s ex-coach, Carlos Moya, has spoken out in support of him and responded to the criticism that followed Carlos Alcaraz’s recent comments. Alcaraz had said he feels pressured to play like legends such as Nadal, Federer, and Djokovic in order to be successful.

Alcaraz's documentary titled ‘Carlos Alcaraz: My Way’ was released on Netflix on April 23. It follows the Spanish star as he balances the demands of his tennis career with personal time spent with family and friends. It also offers a glimpse into the mindset that helped him win four Grand Slams and accomplish so much at a young age.

In one of the three episodes, he said:

“Right now, my biggest fear of all is ending up seeing tennis as an obligation. Sometimes I feel like I am enslaved to tennis and that causes anxiety, frustration, doubts.”

Speaking at an event with businessman Pedro Escudero, Moya firmly rejected the idea that Nadal was ever a “slave” to tennis. He stressed that while the 22-time Grand Slam champion was deeply committed to his career, he also lived a rich and balanced life beyond the court.

“Rafa had a great life outside of tennis, perhaps not so much attending events, Formula 1, or motorcycling, but he had a very full life off the court,” the Mallorcan said.

“I know him well, and I know he had his hobbies and enjoyed his free time. Rafa was not a slave to tennis,” he added.

Moya coached Nadal from 2017 until 2024, the year the Spanish legend hung up his racket.

Carlos Moya doubts if Carlos Alcaraz can become the best tennis player in history

Carlos Alcaraz pictured at the 2025 Italian Open | Image Source: Getty

During the same interview, Carlos Moya shared more of his thoughts on Carlos Alcaraz. He admitted that he sees a bit of himself in the young star but pointed out a key difference—his own ambition was never to become the greatest in history, unlike Alcaraz.

“I see myself a bit like Alcaraz,” Moya said. “I was 21 too, but it’s true that I was at a different level than him. The thing is, my ambition was never to be the best in history. Perhaps that’s what’s shocking. Wanting to be the best in history in that way.”

Moya added that becoming one of the all-time greats is incredibly difficult, especially with the mindset of being a 'slave' to tennis, which he finds problematic. He added that while Nadal, Djokovic, and Federer reached unprecedented heights, none of them did it with the mentality the 22-year-old described.

“Can he become one [of the best in history]? I see it as difficult, even if he has a normal life. Being a slave to tennis is already very complicated… Although it’s clear that, given his level, he can be,” Moya said.

“Of the three who have achieved it, no one has done it the way he says, but he’s still a guru or a pioneer and he’ll achieve it,” he added.

Carlos Alcaraz is now fully focused on his career and is set to compete at the Italian Open. He had a few injury concerns during the final of the Barcelona Open last month, but he appears to have recovered well and is ready to return to action.