Rafael Nadal took a hands-on approach with Iga Swiatek during her training sessions at his academy in Mallorca, getting involved directly with her drills.
Swiatek later headed to the Rafael Nadal Academy, where the 22-time Grand Slam champion joined her new coach, Francisco Roig, in guiding her through a training session.
Toni Nadal, who spent much of his career coaching his nephew, has now spoken about whether the Spaniard will step into a full-time coaching role. Asked by ElDesmarque if he would take on a more regular position with Swiatek, Toni responded:
Toni Nadal speaks on Rafael Nadal’s potential coaching future
Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, Toni cast doubt on the idea that his nephew would ever take up a full-time coaching role.
“No [he will not coach], because his life is set up for other things. It’s very difficult. A coach has to dedicate himself 100%. My nephew has quite a few responsibilities for his own affairs.
“He lived more than twenty years on the courts; now he has many other things that require a lot of time, apart from the fact that he is very happy with the family, with his children.”
Toni went on to point out how much coaching dynamics have evolved over time, which might be another factor keeping Rafael from stepping into that role.
Toni Nadal isn’t alone in dismissing the coaching speculation around Rafael Nadal
Since his retirement in 2024, the question of whether Rafael Nadal would step into coaching has been a regular topic among fans and pundits.
Several former players from his generation have already made the switch to coaching roles, with Andy Murray being one of the most notable examples on the ATP Tour.
Alex Corretja shared his perspective soon after Nadal’s retirement, explaining why he doesn’t see coaching in Nadal’s future.
He said: “In my opinion, it’s impossible. 99.9% impossible, because you can’t say totally impossible in life. But I would be very, very surprised.
“I think he’s going to need time to realize what he really wants to do. Rafa lives in Manacor and he has his academy. So I don’t see him moving around much.”
Nadal did make an appearance at this year’s Australian Open, marking his first return since stepping away from professional tennis two years ago.
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