Rafael Nadal's retirement plan exposed as other avenues 'already emerging'

Rafael Nadal bids for Australian Open today against Daniil Medvedev. The Spaniard is potentially only three sets away from a record 21st Grand Slam title - pulling away from Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic on 20 each. The 'Big Three' cliche has been part of tennis for over a decade now, and Nadal can cement his status as the most successful tennis star of all time with victory in Melbourne today.

Federer turns 41 this year and has just undergone a third major knee operation and Djokovic faces being banned from Grand Slams over his refusal to have the coronavirus vaccine.

Nadal, 35, still looks fighting fit and in sensational form, but he is not getting any younger.

While he admitted in October that he hopes to play for a few more years yet, speculation remains as to when he will call it a day.

Nadal's coach and former world number one Carlos Moyá was asked about what he sees Nadal doing in a 2020 interview.

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He told Spanish publication Las Provincias: "He has his academy next to his house, which is going to be his legacy to tennis and he will surely enjoy it.

"[Then] that and other businesses that are already emerging [for him].

"He will be presented with opportunities. It is clear that he will continue to be linked to sport.

"I honestly do not see him as a politician. I don't think it's something that appeals to him, but that's my point of view."

Nadal trains at the Rafa Nadal Sports Centre in his hometown of Manacor in Mallorca. The centre houses the Rafa Nadal Tennis Academy.

The 40,000 square metre centre features a sports residence, a Rafael Nadal museum, a fitness centre and 26 tennis courts.

He also owns three similar facilities in