Marc Lopez was an excellent doubles player and also won the gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics alongside his illustrious compatriot Rafael Nadal. In the last years of his legendary career – more precisely between 2021 and 2024 – the former world number 1 asked him to become his second coach and to help Carlos Moya in his work during tournaments.

The Spanish legend had numerous injuries in the latter part of her career, but she still managed to win two Grand Slam titles in 2022 in Melbourne and Paris, respectively. Those were his last highs, because the following two seasons were really troubled for Rafa who was no longer able to play with sufficient continuity.

Her last dance in 2024 did not live up to expectations, her body did not respond adequately and her best result was a final at the Bastad tournament. The disappointing results at Roland Garros and the Olympic tournament in Paris convinced Nadal that it was the right time to say goodbye to professional tennis and start a new chapter in his life.

Lopez – on the other hand – has recently become the new coach of Italian WTA star Jasmine Paolini (who had a truly impressive rise last year), who has ended her long collaboration with Renzo Furlan.

Marc Lopez talks about Nadal

In an interview for the Mutua Madrid Open YouTube channel, Marc recalled his collaboration with 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafa Nadal: “From the first moment, he told me that he hired me as his coach, not as his friend or sparring partner. He wanted me to help him and tell him truthfully what I thought.

I have to admit that I needed some time to adapt to that role that I wasn’t used to and the help of Carlos Moya was fundamental at the beginning. As time went on, I became more and more familiar with that role and was able to help Rafa. It was a very good three years by his side.”