The tennis world is abuzz with anticipation as Alexander Zverev, the World No. 3, has embarked on a bold new chapter by training with Toni Nadal, the legendary coach and uncle of Rafael Nadal, at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca. This unexpected collaboration, which began in July 2025 following Zverev’s shocking first-round exit at Wimbledon, has ignited speculation about a potential long-term coaching partnership that could redefine the German star’s career. With Zverev chasing his elusive first Grand Slam title and Toni Nadal’s proven track record of guiding players to greatness, this pairing is poised to surprise and potentially reshape the men’s tennis landscape as the US Open looms on August 24.
Zverev’s 2025 season has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. The 28-year-old reached his third Grand Slam final at the Australian Open in January, only to fall to Jannik Sinner in straight sets, a loss that left deep emotional scars. “I’m struggling mentally,” Zverev admitted after his Wimbledon defeat to Arthur Rinderknech, a five-set thriller that ended 7-6(3), 6-7(8), 6-3, 6-7(5), 6-4. “It’s difficult to find joy outside the tennis court for me at the moment. I just feel generally very, very alone and very lonely.” His candid revelation about feeling isolated prompted a soul-searching trip to Mallorca, where he began a multi-day trial with Toni Nadal, a coach renowned for molding Rafael Nadal into a 22-time Grand Slam champion. German media reports suggest this trial could evolve into a “realistic option” for a permanent partnership, with Rafael Nadal possibly stepping in as a mentor.
Toni Nadal’s influence is already generating optimism. Fans and analysts have noted subtle changes in Zverev’s game during training clips shared on social media. “Love seeing him work near the baseline like that,” one fan posted, praising Zverev’s efforts to take the ball earlier and flatten out his forehand, a technical adjustment that could counter the dominance of Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, who have claimed the last seven major titles. Boris Becker, a tennis legend and former critic of Zverev’s coaching setup, endorsed the move enthusiastically. “If Toni Nadal is indeed Alexander’s new coach, then he’s got it all,” Becker said on his podcast with Andrea Petkovic. “The choice is excellent, but it will be a very tough Spanish school.” Becker highlighted Toni’s experience and the Rafa Nadal Academy’s world-class facilities, which offer hard and clay courts ideal for preparing for the North American hard-court swing.
Zverev’s career, while illustrious—boasting an Olympic gold medal, two ATP Finals titles, and seven Masters 1000 crowns—has been overshadowed by his inability to secure a Grand Slam. His three major finals, including a heartbreaking loss to Dominic Thiem at the 2020 US Open, have fueled narratives that he lacks the mental edge against top players like Sinner and Alcaraz. Andrea Petkovic, a former top-10 player, sees Toni Nadal as the key to unlocking that potential. “Toni and even Rafa, if he’s around, can offer good advice in every aspect,” she said on Eurosport. “They know how to win Grand Slams. Sascha is the German tennis player who carries all the pressure; everyone expects him to win a Grand Slam, and if he doesn’t, it will be a sporting disaster.” Petkovic believes Zverev’s consistency—reaching the later rounds of majors almost every time except Wimbledon 2025—positions him well for a breakthrough with the right guidance.
The question of Zverev’s father, Alexander Zverev Sr., looms large. A constant presence in Zverev’s career, alongside his brother Mischa as manager, the elder Zverev has been instrumental in his son’s rise. However, Becker has argued that “the father and brother have done a great job, but for the last step, it hasn’t been good enough.” Toni Nadal’s disciplined approach, forged through years of coaching Rafael to 16 of his 22 majors, could provide the fresh perspective Zverev needs. His recent stint with Felix Auger-Aliassime from 2021 to 2024, which included a Davis Cup title in 2022, demonstrates his ability to elevate players. “Toni Nadal can provide a differential spark to help him take the next step,” Petkovic added, noting that Zverev’s maturity at 28 makes him ready to embrace this change.
As Zverev prepares for the Canadian Open in Toronto, where he is a former champion, and the US Open, where he reached the 2020 final, the tennis world watches closely. Social media posts from fans reflect the excitement: “Toni Nadal might give Zverev the cold-headed discipline he needs in big moments,” one wrote, while another urged, “The ripping forehand is missing in his game. Please practice that for the slam.” With Toni’s rigorous “Spanish school” and the potential mentorship of Rafael Nadal, who retired in November 2024, Zverev’s quest for Grand Slam glory feels tantalizingly within reach. Whether this collaboration becomes permanent remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Zverev and Toni Nadal are a combination that could truly surprise.
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