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The last time Rafael Nadal added a new coach was back in 2017, and it was a pretty darn good year: 10th Roland Garros title; third US Open title; year-end No. 1.

The Spaniard will be looking to find more of that same success in 2022, after roping in another new coach, Marc Lopez. Marca reported the move.

Lopez is a Roland Garros doubles champion and former doubles No. 3—but, just as important, he's a friend of the 20-time Grand Slam singles champion, and the two have a rich history on the court together.

Nadal and Lopez took home gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics in doubles, and the pair have won five career doubles titles on tour. But now, Lopez will shift gears and solely focus on his good friend on the singles court, alongside coaches Carlos Moyá and Francis Roig. The three have already joined forces in Mallorca for pre-season practice.

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Marc Lopez has joined Rafael Nadal's coaching team! They have won five doubles titles together, including 2016 Olympics. Nadal now has three coaches: Carlos Moya, Francis Roig and Lopez. (Via Marca) pic.twitter.com/3uMOcArzDR
— Luigi Gatto (@gigicat7_) December 10, 2021

This is not Lopez's first coaching role, having previously worked with Feliciano Lopez (another former doubles partner; not related).

Marc Lopez will travel with Nadal to Abu Dhabi for the Mubadala World Tennis Championships next week for their first test as a team. The event will also provide more insight on the condition of Nadal's left foot, and if he will be at 100 percent heading into 2022. He hasn't competed on the ATP tour since August.

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