Rafael Nadal making this MAJOR change will not have a bad impact on him – Ferrero

That’s according to former tennis world No1 Juan Carlos Ferrero.

Nadal enjoyed a stellar 2017 season, winning the French Open and the US Open in his return from injury.

He also finishes the season as the world No1.

But going into 2018, Nadal will be without his uncle after the 56-year-old confirmed their working relationship would come to an end earlier this year.

Toni Nadal will now focus on working at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca, while former world No1 Carlos Moya coaches Nadal on the tennis tour.

And Ferrero believes Nadal is in good hands going forward.

“You cannot be surprised with Rafa. He is one of the greatest in tennis history and his fighting capability is simply unbelievable,” Carrero told IBTimes.

“This year he has been playing more aggressively, his tennis is more straight forward, he is adapting his game style and he has been able to enjoy himself again on the court. 

“A tennis player of his level is constantly trying to adapt and improve. 

“As for his uncle [Toni Nadal], even though he is not going to travel with him, he will remain a big foundation for Rafa. 

“I don’t think this will make a difference. Let’s not forget that Carlos Moya, one of the greatest players of his decade, has begun to work with the current Roland Garros and US Open champion and things have improved.”

Ferrero also expects the likes of Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and Nadal to be in for a tough season with their rivals keen to get Grand Slam wins under their belt.

“We are going to see a very competitive season,” he added.

“As I said before, the big four will have to face the newcomers, the young players who are currently in the top 10 who want to remain there for a long time. 

“And let’s not forget players like Stan Wawrinka or Kei Nishikori, who have been injured for some months. It is going to be a tough season for all of them.”