Nadal splits with long-term coach Francis Roig

Nadal, who has won 22 Grand Slam titles, described Roig as an important person in his career and thanked him for years of hard work and friendship.

FILE PHOTO: Spain’s Rafael Nadal (right) and his coach Francis Roig (left). | Photo Credit: Getty Images

Veteran Spanish coach Francis Roig, who has been part of Rafael Nadal’s team for the last 18 years, said on Friday he will leave his role to start a new project with more than one player.

Roig worked alongside the world number two’s uncle and ex-coach Toni and more recently with Carlos Moya and Marc Lopez.

“It’s been a pleasure and honour to work with Rafa and the rest of the team,” Roig said in a statement. “We never thought we could get so many results and have such a long career with him but Rafa’s a phenomenon and makes everything look easy.”

Os quería comunicar que Francis Roig deja el equipo. Francis ha sido una persona importante en mi carrera y le estoy muy agradecido por todos estos años de trabajo y amistad. Cuando empezamos a trabajar juntos yo era un niño y junto a mi tío Toni, empezábamos en el circuito. pic.twitter.com/qeW0wFQTpa

— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) December 16, 2022

Nadal, who has won 22 Grand Slam titles, described Roig as an important person in his career and thanked him for years of hard work and friendship.

“Francis is a great coach who knows tennis well and has helped me a lot to get better and better,” Nadal said.

“I only have words of gratitude and I wish him all the luck in the world in his new project.”

Nadal captured the Australian Open and French Open titles in an injury-plagued 2022 to top the list of men’s Grand Slam title winners.