Rafael Nadal: Carlos Moya has told Patrick Mouratoglou to 'show some respect' following his criticism of the Spaniard

Carlos Moya has hit back at Patrick Mouratoglou after he cast doubt on Rafa Nadal's prospects at the upcoming French Open. Mouratoglou, Serena Williams' ex-coach, had suggested that Nadal's lack of matches — following a rib injury that kept him out of action during the early part of the clay-court season — would count against him at Roland-Garros.

Ad/> But Moya — Nadal's primary coach since 2016 — posted a list of facts on social media to counter Mouratoglou's comments, and made his irritation clear at the Frenchman, who now coaches Simona Halep following his successful spell with Williams. ATP Madrid‘Things are changing’ – Djokovic relishing ‘greatest rival’ Nadal being in Madrid – Diary8 HOURS AGO Moya, who quote-tweeted Mouratoglou's comments, wrote: «17 straight years in the top 10, [winning] Roland Garros 2020 after three matches in seven months, [winning] Australian Open 2022 after three matches in six months...a bit of respect and memory.» /> Mouratoglou's comments came in an appearance on France Television, with the 51-year-old saying: «Nadal is going to play few games and it is very rare that he arrives in Paris with so few games.

It will be strange for him. »Despite his great start to the season, Nadal has always been a player who needed to play many matches.

He is not going to arrive in his best shape at Roland-Garros.” Norrie overcomes Isner, Evans fights back to beat Bautista Agut ‘He only wanted one coach’ – Vajda opens up on split with Djokovic It wasn't the first time Mouratoglou has sent criticism Nadal's way in recent weeks, having declared his feeling that Novak Djokovic is a better player, even on clay. Nadal returned to action this week at the Madrid Open as he steps up his return to full fitness.