Rafael Nadal makes feelings clear after suggestions he should coach Carlos Alcaraz next

Rafael Nadal has expressed his views regarding a potential return to the tour, albeit as the coach of Carlos Alcaraz. The latter recently parted ways with his long-time coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero. Nadal's name has been on everyone's mind as a potential successor to Ferrero in the wake of his departure.

Nadal called time on his illustrious career in November 2024, bowing out in front of his home crowd at the Davis Cup Finals. While he has made sporadic appearances on the tour since hanging up his racket for good, he has no intentions of living out of his suitcase once again in the near future.

Alcaraz's childhood coach, Carlos Santos, was among the first to throw out Nadal's name as a possible replacement for Ferrero. He opined that the 22-time Major champion's experience and humility would make him a great fit in the Alcaraz camp.

"And we’re not even talking about players like Rafa Nadal, who would be a fantastic coach for Carlitos. For his upbringing, his values, his character, his humility. That would be very beneficial for Carlos and those around him," Santos said.

That set the ball rolling, and others also joined in on the bandwagon. However, Nadal has put an end to all speculation in a recent interview with the Spanish outlet Diario AS. He stated that becoming a coach would entail leaving his family behind, including his two young sons, which he's not willing to do at the moment.

"I've always had the utmost respect for what might happen in the future, because what you feel today isn't necessarily what you'll feel later. Life is constantly changing, especially when you have young children: you see life one way, a few years go by, and it changes. Travelling constantly? I don't see it happening. Being a coach would require that, and right now, it doesn't fit with my life," Nadal said.

Nadal and his wife, Maria Francisca Perello, welcomed their first child, Rafael Jr., in October 2022. The couple expanded their family with the birth of their second child, Miquel, in August 2025. While he has ruled out being Alcaraz's coach, he's still open to another coaching gig.

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Rafael Nadal is open to captaining the Spanish Davis Cup team instead of coaching Carlos Alcaraz

Rafael Nadal at the Davis Cup Finals 2024. (Photo: Getty)

Rafael Nadal loved playing for his country. He usually stepped up to represent Spain in the Davis Cup, and helped his team to five titles during his career. He also compiled a 37-6 record in singles over the course of his career.

During his chat with Diario AS, Nadal said that while coaching Carlos Alcaraz would be a tall order for him, he would be open to being the captain of the Spanish Davis Cup team. However, even that prospect remains a distant dream for him.

"Being a Davis Cup captain someday? Why not? I might enjoy it… or not. I just retired; it's too early to think about it. I respect life's processes and the need to adapt. Right now, it's not appropriate to think about that," Nadal said.

However, Nadal still remains in touch with the tennis world. He was recently in Jeddah for the Next Gen ATP Finals. He's the ambassador for the Saudi Tennis Federation, and spent considerable time there promoting the sport.

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Edited by Rohit