Rafael Nadal’s former doubles partner opens up about the Spaniard’s future after retirement: ‘I can definitely picture him there’

“I don’t really see him as a full-time tennis coach, to be honest, mainly because of all the travel. But as a Davis Cup captain, absolutely – I can definitely picture him there.”

“It would be incredible for the players to have him as captain – to have him courtside, sharing practices, would be an amazing experience for any of them. But traveling, even if it’s just 15 weeks a year, I don’t see it. He’s a very family-oriented person, and after so many years on the road, he has two kids now. I’d love to see him in the captain’s chair or in the box coaching someone, but honestly, it’s hard for me to picture it.”

“We still talk a lot. Beyond being former teammates, we’re very good friends. We don’t see each other often because he’s traveling for his business projects and spending a lot of time in Mallorca. We don’t see each other as much as before, but we stay in touch. He’s really happy in this new stage of his life,” Lopez told the ‘CLAY’ website.

In December, Nadal had spoken about the possibility of becoming Spain’s Davis Cup captain in future, but admitted that it was too early for him to think of it at present.

“Being Davis Cup captain someday? Why not? I might enjoy it, or not. I’ve just retired. It’s far too early to be thinking about that. I respect life’s processes and adaptation. Right now, it’s not the time to think about it,” he had told AS in an interview.