The tennis world is abuzz with speculation following Alexander Zverev’s surprising first-round exit at Wimbledon 2025, where the world No. 3 fell to Arthur Rinderknech in a grueling five-set match. The defeat, one of the most shocking upsets of the tournament, marked another chapter in Zverev’s quest for an elusive Grand Slam title. Now, as the 28-year-old German star looks to reset for the North American hardcourt swing, reports of a potential collaboration with Toni Nadal, Rafael Nadal’s uncle and former coach, have sparked excitement. Tennis legend Boris Becker, a six-time Grand Slam champion, has voiced enthusiastic support for this move, calling it a game-changer for Zverev’s career. “If it’s true that Toni Nadal is Sascha Zverev’s new coach, he’s done everything right,” Becker said on his podcast with Andrea Petkovic, highlighting the potential of this high-profile partnership.
Zverev’s Wimbledon loss was a bitter pill, ending his hopes of a deep run on grass and prompting an emotional press conference where he opened up about his mental struggles. “I feel very alone out there at times. I struggle mentally. I’ve been saying that since after the Australian Open,” he confessed, revealing a sense of isolation both on and off the court. The defeat to Rinderknech, with a scoreline of 7-6(7), 6-7(8), 6-3, 6-7(5), 6-4, followed a strong but ultimately disappointing season, including a runner-up finish at the Australian Open and a French Open semifinal loss to Novak Djokovic. Zverev’s candid admission of lacking joy outside tennis and his consideration of therapy underscored the need for a fresh approach, both tactically and mentally.
Enter Toni Nadal, the mastermind behind 20 of Rafael Nadal’s 22 Grand Slam titles. Zverev was recently spotted training at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca, working closely with Toni on hard courts in preparation for the Canadian Open, set to begin July 26. The move comes after Zverev withdrew from the ATP 250 event in Gstaad, citing personal reasons, and signals a potential shift from his long-time coaching setup with his father, Alexander Zverev Sr., and brother, Mischa, who serves as his manager. Becker, who had previously urged Zverev to shake up his team, sees this as a pivotal step. “Toni knows how to win Grand Slams. He’s won every Grand Slam as a coach,” Becker noted, emphasizing the Spaniard’s proven track record. “The combination is totally exciting. I hope it happens.”
The prospect of Toni Nadal as head coach, with Rafael Nadal potentially serving as a mentor, has ignited optimism. Rafael, who retired from professional tennis in November 2024, is regarded as one of the greatest clay-court players in history, with 14 French Open titles. His involvement could provide Zverev with invaluable insights, particularly on clay, where the German has shown his strongest form. “If Rafael Nadal says something about tennis, even Sascha Zverev has to listen,” Becker said, underscoring the weight of Nadal’s expertise. Toni, known for his disciplined approach, is expected to bring a “tough Spanish school” to Zverev’s training, demanding punctuality and respect for the sport. “It’s a top choice, but it’ll be intense,” Becker added, hinting at the rigorous regimen awaiting Zverev.
Zverev’s coaching history has been a mixed bag, with short-lived stints under high-profile names like Juan Carlos Ferrero, Ivan Lendl, David Ferrer, and Sergi Bruguera. Each partnership ended within a year, leaving Zverev to rely primarily on his family. Becker’s earlier criticism—that Zverev’s father and brother, while effective, hadn’t pushed him to the “final step” of a Grand Slam title—sparked tension. “When things go badly, everyone suddenly gets very smart. Boris is unfortunately one of them,” Zverev retorted in Stuttgart, defending his team. Yet, his recent training in Mallorca suggests he’s heeding calls for change, a move Becker now celebrates as a bold step toward breaking his major-title drought.
The timing is critical for Zverev, who has reached three Grand Slam finals, including the 2020 US Open and 2025 Australian Open, but remains without a major trophy. His Olympic gold in 2021 and two ATP Finals titles highlight his potential, yet the German has struggled against top players in crucial moments. Toni Nadal, in a recent column, expressed sympathy for Zverev’s mental struggles, noting, “I have a great deal of affection for him, and I wouldn’t want him to read this as criticism, but he hasn’t managed to correct what he needs to become a Grand Slam champion.” With the US Open on the horizon, where Zverev reached the final in 2020, this partnership could be the catalyst for a breakthrough. As Becker put it, “The combination is thrilling. I wish it comes to fruition,” setting the stage for a pivotal chapter in Zverev’s pursuit of tennis immortality.
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