Rafael Nadal retired from tennis only recently, but conversations about his future are already being held, with Mats Wilander suggesting a coaching role.
Nadal retired from the sport at the 2024 Davis Cup Finals, ending a beautiful and successful tennis career that was also marked by multiple injuries that hindered him from becoming an even greater player than he was.
The retirement ceremony itself was criticized by many, including his uncle, Toni Nadal. However, it wasn't about the ceremony but about a celebration of one of the greatest tennis careers of all time.
That is now over, and Nadal will be looking ahead to the future. Being the second-best prize money earner in the history of the sport, with $134,946,100 earned in over 20 years, will certainly allow him to only rest on his yacht for the remainder of his life, but the question is whether it's something that he will be interested in.
Former World No. 1, Mats Wilander, discussed Nadal's retirement in a talk with Eurosport, admitting that he couldn't agree with those who didn't like the retirement ceremony.
"I disagree a little with people who think it wasn't 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 it was very brave to tell Ferrer that he was available and ready for such an important event. His first set was good, although he struggled more in the second. He had a tough opponent in front of him who reached the final and had been playing well, like Botic. Rafa's behavior and attitude were great."
After talking about Nadal's retirement, Wilander shifted his focus to the Spaniard's future. Only a few days ago, Andy Murray showed that retirement doesn't have to last long, as he was appointed as Novak Djokovic's coach.
According to Wilander, Nadal's career path could be similar. The 60-year-old Swede could see the 22-time Grand Slam champion return to the sport as a coach, even to coach Carlos Alcaraz.
Although the 21-year-old currently works with another former World No. 1 player, Juan Carlos Ferrero, he sometimes struggles to keep the same intensity throughout a tennis match, something that Nadal would certainly be able to help with.
"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."
Wilander could see Nadal in multiple roles in the sport. If the Spanish legend doesn't take up on any coaching offer, he might become a commentator or even Spanish Davis Cup captain, according to the Swede.
"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."
For now, Nadal will probably enjoy the first months of his retirement. While his return in the future might be likely, it probably won't happen in the coming weeks or months, as he only recently became a father after welcoming his first son.
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