Could Nadal be a possible coach for Alcaraz in the future?

Mónica Barberán Munera | 27 Nov 2024 | 16.29

Rafa Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz in the 2024 Davis Cup. Photo: getty.

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One of the biggest events of this end of 2024 has undoubtedly been the farewell of Rafa Nadal, a retirement that hurts. It was just a few days ago at the Davis Cup, the day Spain fell to the Netherlands in the quarterfinals. That defeat in the doubles meant that the Balearic officially retired from professional tennis, a farewell that some have considered not being up to the legend of Rafa. Toni Nadal or Àlex Corretja believe that "the farewell did not live up to expectations" and that "it was not an epic moment".

However, others like Mats Wilander do consider the Davis ceremony very consistent with Rafa's personality. He has always set Roland Garros as the stage where the Spaniard would say goodbye to tennis because it is where he has had the most success in his career. "I slightly disagree with those who think it was not the perfect farewell. For me, it was in the Davis Cup, which is an incredible sign from Rafa. He could have done it at Roland Garros with less pressure and expectations, but he was very brave to tell Ferrer that he was available and ready for such an important event. His first set was good, although the second one was more challenging. He faced a tough opponent who made it to the final and was in good form like Botic. Rafa's behavior and attitude were incredible," Wilander said on Eurosport.

That the Davis Cup in Málaga was his last tournament as a professional is a reflection of the Spaniard's personality, who has always been proud to represent his country in this competition. In addition, his humility, simplicity, and lack of desire for extravagance have been very well reflected in this "discreet" ceremony. It is understandable that many felt something was missing, as one of the greatest players in history deserves the best of farewells. However, the most important thing is that it was done as the protagonist wanted, not according to what others wished for.

"For me, it was the perfect farewell. Nothing has changed. Rafa is perhaps the most important tennis player we have had, both in men's and women's, because the legacy he leaves is not being the best of all time. He may not be the greatest, but he is the most important because of his attitude and fighting spirit. People who play tennis should be told to play with the same attitude as Nadal, whether they win or lose is less important," the former Swedish world number 1 also reflected on the legend status of the Balearic.

Future as a Coach and Carlos Alcaraz

It has been a few days since this event, but many doubts arise regarding Rafa's future. Will he end up being a coach? Many would like to see the Spaniard in that role, especially if it is alongside a renowned player like Carlos Alcaraz. Perhaps there is nothing more exciting than seeing 'Nadalcaraz' back again as a coach and pupil. For now, the Murcian maintains a successful relationship with Juan Carlos Ferrero, and that seems quite far off for now to materialize.

What does the Swede think? "It is very likely that Nadal will return as a coach. I can even imagine him coaching Alcaraz. Although Carlos has one of the best now, Juan Carlos Ferrero, he lacks maintaining the same intensity throughout a match. Nadal could maintain that concentration, so I can see the value he could bring. Either way, Nadal will be involved in thinking about tennis, whether as a coach or as a commentator, and that is very valuable. He may even become the captain of the Davis Cup in the future."

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Nadal, ¿posible entrenador de Alcaraz en el futuro?