"Does Rafael Nadal wanna go back on tour?"- Veteran analyst Greg Rusedski explains if he could coach Carlos Alcaraz 

Former tennis player Greg Rusedski has revealed the chances of Rafael Nadal coaching Carlos Alcaraz on the ATP tour. The latter recently ended his seven-year partnership with coach Juan Carlos Ferrero.

Alcaraz is the top draw in men's tennis at the moment. He not only defended his title in Roland Garros this year, but also made his mark at the US Open.

Rusedski spoke about the bond between Carlos Alcaraz and Juan Carlos Ferrero. He felt Ferrero was more likely to return as Alcaraz’s coach than Nadal was to make a comeback on the ATP Tour.

"The headlines would be going crazy. I don't think it's gonna happen, because if you look at Samuel Lopez, he's at the academy of Juan Carlos Ferrero, and Juan Carlos Ferrero also said, look, I would like to get back, I hope this relationship comes again, and we can connect again," Greg Rusedski said on the 'Off-Court with Greg' podcast (time 12:53) "The question is does Rafa want to go back on tour? I have a feeling he's enjoying life, he's got two young kids, he loves his golf, he loves being at home, he's got his boat, so, I don't see that one happen, happening, but the speculation will continue," he added

Nadal retired from professional tennis in the 2024 Davis Cup. He has been spotted attending promotional events and practicing for fun at the Rafa Nadal Academy since then.

Alcaraz is often likened to Nadal because of their similar playing styles and shared Spanish roots. The two have met three times on tour, with Nadal holding a narrow 2–1 lead in their head-to-head record.

"There's transparency, honesty, and truth" - Greg Rusedski highlights the reasons for success between Carlos Alcaraz and Juan Carlos Ferrero

Carlos Alcaraz and Juan Carlos Ferrero at the Training Centre - Source: Getty

Greg Rusedski was one win away from capturing the US Open in 1997. Despite a spirited performance against Patrick Rafter, the Australian defeated him in four-sets.

The Brit also shared his thoughts on Carlos Alcaraz’s current coaching situation and why it could inspire other players on tour. He felt the Spaniard might initially struggle to find the right balance with a new coach.

"It's tricky, but it also gives other players hope, because all of a sudden, yes, maybe Samuel knows what to continue, and when you lose a relationship like that, which has obviously been for seven-plus years, there's an emotional part as well, and how do you balance that out" Greg Rusedski said

Rusedski added that he has never seen a World No. 1 part ways with a coach mid-way through the off-season.

"Everybody in the press is going to be asking you, why did you split? Why did you split? And are we going to get the real story, what happened out there? Because all of us are desperate to know, and I've never heard of a world number one parting company midway through the off-season. It just doesn't happen," he added

He felt the transparency between Alcaraz and Juan Carlos Ferrero was one of the main reasons for their success on the ATP tour.

"So, to me, strong egos, that's where Juan Carlos Ferrer has an advantage. He can walk away at any time he wants, and so can Carlos, and that makes a very special partnership, because there's transparency, there's honesty, and truth, and that's why they've been so successful," he concluded

Alcaraz and Juan Carlos Ferrero captured six Major titles during their time together. Apart from the Australian Open, the duo won all three other Majors.

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Edited by Aman Mohamed