The Roland Garros committee’s decision to schedule Novak Djokovic vs Rafael Nadal quarter-final match in the evening does not sit well with Carlos Moya.
On Sunday, Rafael Nadal defeated Felix Auger-Aliassime with an enthralling 3-6 6-3 6-2 3-6 6-3. He set up a huge quarter-final match with Novak Djokovic. This is only the third time in his 112 matches that Nadal was taken to the fifth set in Paris. Wrapping up the win in 4 hours and 21 minutes Nadal got a wild applause from the crowd.
Last week, Nadal admitted he does not like playing at night at Roland Garros. Therefore, he wanted his quarter-final match versus Djokovic to be scheduled as a day match.
Nadal’s coach, Carlos Moya believes that Rafa’s opinion in the scheduling of the match should be taken into consideration. Moya believes that due to Nadal’s history in the tournament. He told RMC Sport, “He has won the tournament 13 times, and if he has a request, you should listen to him. He is part of the history of Roland-Garros.”
Carlos Moya disappointed with Roland Garros quarter-final schedule
Rafael Nadal has made it abundantly clear that he does not enjoy playing on clay in the evening. However, the organisers at Roland-Garros did not listen to his plea. They listened to Novak Djokovic who prefers playing on clay in the evening. Nole admitted that he and Rafa would “make totally different requests” over their preferences for the timeslot in Paris.
The Rafael Nadal camp, especially his coach Carlos Moya is not happy with the decision. He said, “I wouldn’t say disrespect, but here at Roland-Garros, Rafa has credit.”
“We know that nobody is bigger than [the tournament], nobody is bigger than the Grand Slam, but in the end, it is a question of business and we understand that.”
QF let’s go! Idemo !! 💪🏼😤🗣🔥 #RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/UfSYu1QQGR
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) May 29, 2022
Eurosport expert, Mats Wilander has explained the differences between playing in the day and at night on the clay at Roland-Garros.
When asked if it was different playing in the day compared to the night he said, “Without a doubt, yes. The surface – clay – becomes a little moist, and the tennis ball picks up the moisture, [becoming] heavier, much harder to spin.”
He added, “When it’s hot, it’s bouncier than when it’s cold, but this change [at Roland-Garros] is way more, and it’s tricky for players.”
