Rafael Nadal is unlikely to become Carlos Alcaraz’s coach at the present time, according to former British No. 1 Greg Rusedski. Alcaraz announced his split from long-term coach Juan Carlos Ferrero earlier this week, just days after the 45-year-old had been named the ATP coach of the year alongside his colleague Samuel Lopez.

Alcaraz and Ferrero began working together seven years ago. And under his compatriot’s guidance, the 22-year-old won six Grand Slam titles, including this year’s French Open and US Open. But Alcaraz revealed that the 2003 French Open champion had left his set-up, with Lopez set to step up and take on a bigger role for the time being at least.

Alcaraz has been tipped to bring in Nadal as his new coach, with former Spanish stars David Ferrer and Carlos Moya also being spoken about as potential candidates.

But Rusedski doesn’t think Nadal would be interested in taking on a full-time coaching role just one year after bringing his own playing career to an end at the age of 38.

“I just don’t think Rafael Nadal is at a time in his life when he wants to get back on the Tour and travel every week,” Rusedski explained on his Off Court with Greg podcast.

“Nadal has two young children and he seems to be enjoying his retirement, so I just don’t see him giving everything up to go back on the road with Alcaraz.”

And discussing Ferrero’s exit from Alcaraz’s backroom team, he added: “We don’t know whose decision this was, but who can believe it? You win coach of the year one week, Alcaraz is player of the year and world No. 1, and suddenly he splits with his coach.

“It’s a shock. We know it’s nothing to do with the finances, as he has signed a big new deal with Nike and I feel this is about relationship and communication. Maybe he is playing too many exhibitions, enjoying his life outside tennis.

“We are halfway through the off-season and this is obviously a disagreement about training or too many exhibitions.

“Ferrero looks like he is battling with Alcaraz because the player wants to enjoy his life. If you are happy off court, you play better and if you try to change someone’s personality, it can get more difficult. That may be where the battle lines were drawn.

“I was hoping this relationship would last throughout his career, like with Rafael Nadal and his uncle Toni, but now this news has come. No one would say no to coaching Carlos Alcaraz if he calls you, but it’s going to be tough to replace Juan Carlos Ferrero.”