Toni Nadal says that if his nephew Rafael Nadal isn’t playing well in 2016, it's possible that another coach could step in to help.
The 14-time Grand Slam champion hasn't won’t a major since last year's French Open and hasn't won a Masters tournament in 2015. Toni Nadal has coached Rafael, who has won three titles in 2015, since the Spaniard began playing tennis.
A number of top men's players have brought in additional coaches who are former players. Roger Federer works with Stefan Edberg; Novak Djokovic works with Boris Becker; Andy Murray works Amelie Mauresmo and Jonas Bjorkman, and previously hired Ivan Lendl.
"I think you need to ask Rafael," Toni Nadal told *AFP* about the prospect of hiring another coach. "But we have a group and I'm the coach of Rafael forever, since Rafael was three years old... and things were always good for us. It's true that this year he's going a little down but I am sure the comeback of Rafael is coming soon. Maybe if next year Rafael is playing not too good, then I think he can think about some changes in his game or in his team."
Federer, Djokovic, Murray, and Nadal all work with multiple coaches. Nadal works with Francisco Roig on a part-time basis; Federer has been coached by Severin Luthi since 2008; Djokovic works with Marian Vajda, who he started with in 2006; Murray has been switching between Bjorkman and former No. 1 Mauresmo.
Nadal, who is playing in Beijing this week, says that he could still have a good fall season. He is currently ranked No. 8.
"I think I am working well. I am very motivated to go for that challenge that brings me the chance to overcome a tough situation for me," the 29-year-old said. "I love that feeling, and I am going to fight to make that happen."