Rafael Nadal may be done with playing, but a return to the Davis Cup is very much on the table.
The 14-time Roland Garros champion, recently honoured with the AS Legend Award by Spanish sports daily AS Diario,
made it clear that his days as a competitive player are firmly over — but left the door open to one future role in particular.
“Being Davis Cup captain one day? Why not?” Nadal said, as reported by TennisUpToDate. “I could have fun… or not.”
While Nadal stressed that any comeback as a player is impossible — “that stage is totally closed and well closed” — he acknowledged that leading Spain in the Davis Cup could appeal once the dust from retirement settles.
For now, however, timing is everything.
“I’ve just retired. It’s very premature to think about that,” the 39-year-old explained. “I respect vital processes and adaptation.”
Nadal has remained lightly involved in tennis since stepping away, making appearances at events such as the Next Gen ATP Finals and receiving an emotional tribute at Roland Garros.
He has also been back on court at his academy, but only as a sparring partner for young players like Alina Korneeva and Alex Eala.
“Just enjoying hitting the ball and supporting them,” Nadal said. “Nothing more.”
Coaching on the regular tour, however, does not fit his current life.
“Travelling continuously? I don’t see it,” he admitted, citing family life and young children as priorities.
The Davis Cup, though, stands apart — a role rooted in national pride rather than relentless travel.
For now, Nadal is content watching, learning and adjusting to retirement. But when the time feels right, the idea of captaining Spain remains very much alive.
