Former World No. 1 Rafael Nadal is keeping his tabs open when it comes to coaching once he brings the curtain down to his storied career.
Nadal, widely considered one of the greatest tennis players of all time, has amassed 22 Grand Slams, the second-most among male players, in addition to 36 Masters 1000 titles and being ranked as ATP's No. 1 for 209 weeks.
Now 37, the Spanish lefty is in the twilight of his playing career. Nadal accepts he is running out of time and is plotting a farewell season when he returns to the Tour in 2024, although his longtime coach and uncle Toni Nadal reckons he might change his mind if his recovery journey from hip surgery goes according to plan.
Regardless, age is certainly catching up to the seemingly immortal tennis star whose career has been littered with a myriad of injuries, but never threw in the towel. His latest battle, however, appears to have pushed him beyond his physical and mental capacities. Naturally, Nadal was going to be quizzed on coaching.
Speaking in an interview on Movistar, the legendary Spaniard states that sport is entrenched in his existence and he'll always be associated with it even after he hangs up his racket, adding that coaching is a possibility, although it is unlikely to occupy the bulk of his schedule.
"Why not? I don't know, but I know it won't be the bulk of my life. Maybe a few weeks with someone, why not... I come from tennis, sports in general, and I know that sport will always be a part of my life."
Nadal is currently recuperating and recovering from hip surgery having played just four matches this season, last featuring at the 2023 Australian Open. He is targeting a return to action at the same event next season.
Last month, Spanish tabloids reported that Nadal was in contention to become the next President of Real Madrid football club. Nadal expressed his interest in that position should it become available while speaking at the same interview.
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