© Getty Images Sport – Clive Brunskill
Rafael Nadal, 37, has indicated that may accept to be a mentor or a consultant when he is done with pro tennis but highlighted that him being a full-time coach on the Tour will probably never happen. Nadal, one of the greatest players in tennis history, is planning to retire from pro tennis in 2024.
Undoubtedly, Nadal’s tennis knowledge is one of the deepest on the planet. “They ask me things about the future that I cannot answer, nor say one thing or another. Because the future is often uncertain and I also don’t lose sight of the fact that I have an academy where players come and I like sports in general.
I like tennis, so I can’t say that I’m not going to drink that water, that I’m not going to be a coach. I don’t see myself doing a complete calendar on the Tour, it’s practically impossible. Now, in a few weeks, being able to help someone or being able to spend some time with a player, well, why not tomorrow.
Not today, but tomorrow who knows,” Nadal told Diario AS.
Nadal working on returning
Nadal, 37, hasn’t played since sustaining an injury to his psoas muscle at the Australian Open.
After suffering several setbacks in his recovery and being forced to miss the French Open, Nadal surgically addressed his psoas injury. A few weeks ago, Nadal started practicing again. Nadal admits he isn’t close to returning yet but noted he remains hopeful he will be ready for the start of the 2024 season.
“Yes, I am with the team every day, training little tennis, but working a lot in the gym and in rehabilitation, many days doing double sessions morning and afternoon. In the morning, more on the track and in the afternoon, a little more aerobic work.
In the end it is a time to make an effort, many times without seeing immediate results. I know how that works. But trusting that in two months things will change radically and that I will have the opportunity to prepare as I would like for next year,” Nadal said.
