Rafael Nadal coaching Carlos Alcaraz could provide one area of huge “value” to the world No 3, according to former world No 1 Mats Wilander.
Nadal called time on his career last week at the Davis Cup, having won 22 Grand Slam singles titles and spent 209 weeks as the world No 1 across his legendary career.
The Spaniard’s exploits have been closely followed by Alcaraz, who has picked up his compatriot’s baton to fly the Spanish flag – already winning four major titles despite being only aged 21.
Nadal and Alcaraz played doubles together at the Paris 2024 Olympics and world No 3 Alcaraz has openly spoken about his admiration for his idol in recent seasons.
With Nadal yet to reveal any fixed plans for post-retirement life, speculation has risen as to what pathway he may consider.
Now, seven-time Wilander has joined those suggesting the Spaniard could look to take up a coaching role in the future.
And, speaking to Eurosport, the former world No 1 has suggested Nadal could one day coach Alcaraz – and help him improve his concentration.
He said: “It is very possible 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 the ability to maintain the same intensity throughout a match. Nadal was able to maintain that concentration, so I can see the value he could bring.
“Either way, Nadal will be involved in thinking about tennis, either as a coach or as a commentator, and that is very valuable. He could even become the Davis Cup captain in the future.”
Nadal’s final career match saw him lose in straight sets to Botic van de Zandschulp of the Netherlands, with the Dutch ultimately going on to win their Davis Cup quarter-final clash against Spain 2-1.
The 38-year-old’s retirement ceremony post-tie was conspicuous in the absence of key figures such as Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray, who were both initially expected to attend.
Reports have suggested that the ceremony had been planned for Friday and that organisers were caught off-guard by Spain’s exit.
Though the ceremony has attracted criticism, Wilander offered an alternative assessment.
“I disagree a little with people who think it wasn’t the perfect farewell,” added the Swede.
“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.
“Nothing has changed. Rafa is, as I said before, perhaps the most important tennis player we have had, both men and women, 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 for his attitude, for his fighting spirit. You have to tell people who play tennis to play with the same attitude as Nadal, then whether they win or lose is less important.”
