Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are now both retired after the Spaniard hung up his racket following the Davis Cup finals.
This occurred two years after the Swiss Maestro retired with Nadal by side on what was an emotional evening at the Laver Cup inside London’s O2 Arena.
The pair ended their careers as two of the greatest of all time and they hold a combined total of 42 Grand Slam titles.
But given their wonderful performances on court, it remains to be seen if they will pass on their wisdom and expertise in the role of a coach.
Following Andy Murray becoming Novak Djokovic’s coach, should Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal get into coaching, which players should they choose to help take to the next level?
Who are the best players for Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal to coach?
Roger Federer – Ben Shelton
A plethora of players would queue up for the opportunity to be coached by Federer. But one player who would be an ideal fit is World number 21 Ben Shelton, one of the ATP’s brightest young stars.
The American reached his first Grand Slam semi-final in 2023 and claimed the second title of his career in April, when he defeated Francis Tiafoe to win the Houston Open.
Heading into 2025 he is looking to take his game to the next level and with a big serve and aiming to approach the net more, Federer will be very helpful to Shelton in that regard.
Furthermore, Shelton is managed by TEAM8, Federer’s agency. The 21-year-old has been signed to the agency since he turned professional in 2022.
Shelton also became an ambassador of watch brand Rolex in January, with which Federer has a long-standing partnership. The American has admired Federer for some time and should the stars align, Shelton and Federer could form a successful partnership of their own.
Rafael Nadal – Carlos Alcaraz
If the announcement of Murray being named as Djokovic’s coach shocked the tennis world, Nadal joining Carlos Alcaraz’s team would have an equally huge reaction.
This is a move that just makes sense for a variety of reasons, and it would be somewhat poetic given the pair form two generations of Spanish tennis and are the country’s two most successful male players.
There is something Nadal could help with Alcaraz on court however, and that is his consistency and refining his game. Arguably Alcaraz’s biggest downfall in 2024 was his drop in level after losing the Olympic final to Djokovic in August.
Alcaraz suffered early defeats Cincinnati and the US Open, before winning in Beijing, but more shock defeats came in Paris and the ATP Finals, where he did not qualify for the semi-finals.
Because of his wide range of shots, at times Alcaraz seems too keen to go for the winner or spectacular shot too early in a rally, and makes unnecessary errors as a result.
Nadal, who was adept at being patient and working a point before going for a winning shot, could certainly assist his compatriot in that department.
Another advantage for this potential pairing is they have already formed a relationship from their time playing doubles at the Paris Olympics and playing in the Davis Cup finals.
This looks like a match made in heaven should it happen, and Spanish tennis in particular would be delighted.
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal previously showed examples of their coaching skills
Though they have never officially coached anyone, Federer and Nadal provided a glimpse of what they can do as coaches during the Laver Cup.
This took place during the 2019 edition of the event, when Team Europe were battling to keep their undefeated streak against Team World alive.
While the pair were walking back to the locker room with Alexander Zverev who was taking on Milos Raonic. Nadal was heard telling Zverev: “Not one negative face,” while Federer was more frank with his comments.
“I want to hear a ‘let’s go’ and ‘come on’ every f****** point you win,” Federer said. “And every point you lose you f****** take like a man, no ‘I knew it, ah f***, s***.”
At times the pair coached some of their other Laver cup teammates and even each other, in a tournament that provides fans with a rare opportunity to see players interact with each other in a different way.
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