RAFAEL NADAL is being tipped for a stunning career move to a new sport just days after retiring from tennis.

Nadal38 years old, picked up his racket for the last time as a professional tennis Tuesday.

3

3

The legendary Spaniard was beaten in straight sets by Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp as his country crashed out of the competition. Davis Cup.

Carlos Alcaraz won his match to keep Spain in the running in front of the The Netherlands emerged victorious by winning the deciding doubles contest.

Nadal announced in early October how he would retire after the Davis Cup.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion remained coy about the next step in his career.

However, his uncle Toni thinks there is one position in particular that he would be “thrilled” about.

The king of clay is well known for being a big Real Madrid fan. soccer club.

Therefore, the Mallorcan tennis coach asked Nadal to make a stunning move to land a leadership role within the club hierarchy.

Speaking to El Larguero, Toni said: “I imagine if he was offered the job as Madrid manager he would be delighted.

BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR BOOKMAKER UKS

“I didn’t say president. I think it’s because he’s a big fan of Real Madrid.

“I experienced it with him new York And Australiain very important tournaments, getting up and making us get up early in the morning to go watch the Madrid match.”

Despite this, Toni admits that this is just speculation at the moment.

He added: “He really likes sport, especially football, so I think of course he would like to get involved, but I don’t know. I’m speaking without any more knowledge than my intuition.”

Asked about the potential for success Florentino Pérez As president of Real Madrid, Nadal was open to the idea, although admitting he might change his mind the moment the position becomes available.

He told Movistar: “I think I would like to do it. But there are a lot of things. At the moment there is nothing to say because we have the best president possible.

“What I think today, I may not think tomorrow. There are a lot of twists and turns in life.

“You have to know if you are qualified to do this kind of thing. I’m quite realistic. I know my limits.

“I don’t know if I would be able to do it or not. Time will tell. I haven’t asked (Perez) about it.

“I think you (the media) are getting carried away. I don’t think I qualify.”

3

But Toni is sure of an activity in which Nadal will increase his participation.

Toni said: “Now he will be quiet for a while and then he will get involved in the sport. I understand with complete certainty that one way or another he will get more involved in his academies.

“He’s going to get more involved in the Manacor academy, because he did it for a reason, it’s his passion.”

Nadal was in tears during the national anthem before the match and broke down crying as he left the court for the final time.

He received a heroic farewell by teammates and adoring local fans while many big sports stars also paid tribute.

A four-and-a-half minute video was shown on the big screen with stylish tributes from other tennis stars. Serena Williams, Andy MurrayConchita Martinez, Novak Djokovic And Roger Federer.

Spanish footballers Rodri, Iker Casillas, Andres Iniesta and Raul, golfer Sergio Garcia and former Real Madrid player David Beckham also presented.

Nadal cried as he watched the montage, which also featured many of the highlights of his career, from teenage star to Davis Cup glories for Spain to his remarkable 2022. Australian Open victory, coming from two sets to beat Daniel Medvedev in the final.

Then he – along with many in the crowd, including his loving wife Mery – were forced to wipe down the water pipes before speaking on the pitch after the finish was confirmed.

Asked how he wanted to be remembered, the Manacor man replied: “The titles and numbers are there so people probably know.

“But what I want to be remembered more for is a good person from a small village in Mallorca.

“I was just a kid following my dreams, working as hard as I could to be where I am today and, to be honest, I’ve been very lucky with the life I’ve had. opportunity to live.

“I achieved more than I ever dreamed of.”

Nadal added to the crowd chanting “Rafa, Rafa” throughout the match: “It’s been 20 years of professional career in which you carried me in the good times, and in the bad times you carried me pushed to continue playing.

“The truth is that you never want to get to that point. I’m not tired of playing tennis but my body doesn’t want to play anymore and you have to accept that.

“I feel super privileged, I’ve been able to turn my hobby into my profession for a long time. Of course, it was an emotional day and I felt nervous before the match.

“I did my best, I tried to enjoy and play with the right energy and the right attitude.”

Nadal delivered a “gracias” to the crowd during a one-minute standing ovation.

The new careers of tennis stars

MANY tennis stars have remained involved in the sport since retiring.

But others pursued very different careers. Here are some of the best…