Alexander Zverev, the world No. 3, is entering the 2025 North American hard-court swing with renewed vigor, thanks to an inspiring training stint at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca. The German star, reeling from a shocking first-round exit at Wimbledon, spent 10 days under the guidance of Toni Nadal, the legendary coach behind 16 of Rafael Nadal’s 22 Grand Slam titles. Joined by the retired Spanish icon himself for several sessions, Zverev soaked up invaluable insights that have reignited his drive to chase that elusive first major title. “When he speaks and when Rafa speaks, you listen,” Zverev said, emphasizing the profound impact of the Nadal duo’s mentorship as he prepares for the Canadian Open in Toronto, where he’s the top seed.
Zverev’s decision to train in Mallorca came after a candid post-Wimbledon press conference where he admitted to feeling “empty” and “alone” following his loss to Arthur Rinderknech. The defeat, his first opening-round exit at a Grand Slam in six years, prompted soul-searching and a bold move to seek new perspectives. A phone call with Toni Nadal, initiated by the coach himself, led to an hour-and-a-half conversation that convinced Zverev to head to Manacor. “The stay in Mallorca was incredible. I spent about ten days there, worked very hard, and also enjoyed it very much,” Zverev shared upon arriving in Toronto. The Rafa Nadal Academy’s state-of-the-art facilities and Mallorca’s intense summer heat provided the perfect backdrop for a grueling reset, with Zverev training alongside young Spanish prospect Martin Landaluce and under Toni’s watchful eye.
The collaboration wasn’t just about technical tweaks. Toni, known for instilling mental toughness in his players, addressed what he sees as Zverev’s primary barrier to Grand Slam success: a mental block in high-stakes moments. Reflecting on Zverev’s 2024 Roland Garros final loss to Carlos Alcaraz, Toni noted, “Zverev, it’s a mental problem. In this moment he knows he plays against Alcaraz, a wonderful player. He started to talk, and within 10 minutes it was 4-0 or 4-1 to Alcaraz.” Toni’s blunt assessment, shared with affection, resonated with Zverev, who has reached three Grand Slam finals but has yet to lift a major trophy. “If he wants to win and have chances to win a Grand Slam, he needs to change a little his mentality,” Toni added, highlighting the need for focus during critical junctures.
Rafael Nadal’s presence added another dimension. The retired champion, who faced Zverev in memorable battles, offered unique insights into how opponents perceive the German’s game. “They definitely spent a lot of hours talking to me, and Rafa gave me some great insight of what it is actually like to play against me,” Zverev revealed, noting late-night discussions that extended past midnight over dinners. These conversations, blending tactical analysis with confidence-building encouragement, left Zverev eager for more. “I’m trying to convince him to do more weeks with me,” he said of Toni, acknowledging the coach’s busy schedule as the academy’s director and tournament director of the Mallorca ATP 250 event. “He’s a very busy man, but we’re talking about what a potential partnership could look like.”
Zverev’s time in Mallorca marked a shift in his approach. Observers noted a more aggressive style, with Zverev crossing the baseline to dictate points, a tactical adjustment long suggested to counter top players like Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. “I’m not so far away from Alcaraz and Sinner, as some may think,” Zverev asserted, signaling his intent to challenge the tour’s dominant duo. His 498 career wins, including two Nitto ATP Finals titles and a 2017 Canadian Open crown, underscore his potential, but consistency remains the goal. “I think my team, but also Toni, are exceptional in maximizing what a player has,” he said, hopeful that Toni’s guidance could unlock his full potential.
As Zverev gears up for Toronto, facing either Benjamin Bonzi or Adam Walton in the second round, he carries the lessons from Mallorca. While a full-time coaching role with Toni remains uncertain due to the Spaniard’s commitments, Zverev’s time with the Nadals has restored his belief. “The academy is very beautiful, Mallorca, in general, is very beautiful,” he said, reflecting on a week that blended hard work with inspiration. With the US Open on the horizon, Zverev’s Mallorca reset could be the spark he needs to finally claim that long-awaited Grand Slam glory.
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