Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Alexander Zverev Gives Insight on ‘Potential Partnership’ with Toni Nadal and Answers Rafael Nadal Mentor Question

The German No. 1 expressed that he is trying to convince Toni Nadal to spend more weeks working with him.

Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

The three-time Grand Slam finalist, Alexander Zverev kicked off his hard-court campaign with a first-round win in the National Bank Open. This victory was crucial after the first-round exit in the Wimbledon championship. While talking to the media on Sunday in Toronto, the German No. 1 shared he visited Nadal’s training academy.

Alexander Zverev confirmed that he travelled to Mallorca this month and sought advise from the rival Nadal and his uncle, Toni. The German ace had a chat with the 22-time Grand Slam winner and gave a potential hint of signing his uncle Toni as his travelling coach.

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Will Alexander Zverev Work with Toni Nadal or Rafael Nadal in Future?

Alexander Zverev spent 10 days training at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca, the Spaniard’s home island. The German ace is hopeful that Toni Nadal can “maximise his potential.” Zverev also addressed the possibility of being coached by 24-time major champion, Rafael Nadal.

Few months back, Zverev wanted to work with Toni Nadal but the 64-year-old Spanish coach turned down the offer due to his other commitments, as per the German outlet. Toni is the tournament director for the ATP 250 competition in Mallorca. He works as a speaker for sport coaches, universities and companies.

"I went there, it was an amazing 10 days (at the Rafa Nadal Academy). Rafa and Toni spent a lot of hours talking to me, they gave me some great insight. We're talking (with Toni) about what a potential partnership could look like." 👀

Alexander Zverev 💬, in Toronto pic.twitter.com/AoK0r0Jiyv
— We Are Tennis (@WeAreTennis) July 29, 2025

“I mean, I think at this stage for me it’s about winning, and trying to maximise what I have, and trying to maximise what I can become,” he explained. “Again, I think my team, but also Toni are exceptional in that, in maximising what a player has.

Zverev opened up on Sunday in Toronto that he gained great insights after having discussion with both Nadal and his uncle, Toni. This discussion came ahead of the North American hard-court swing and Zverev’s main target is the US Open. The German No. 1 expressed that he is trying to convince Toni Nadal to spend more weeks working with him.

Zverev, the top seed in Canada, was also asked if there was a chance that Rafael Nadal could join his team as a mentor. “Of course, he was with Rafa before, which I’m never going to compare myself to Rafa, but if he can maximise what I have, and he can maximise the potential that I have, I’m sure that I can have a lot more success in my career.”

Top seed and 2017 champ Alexander Zverev starts his Toronto campaign with a 7-6(6), 6-4 win over Adam Walton.

It wasn't pretty.

Into the 3rd round, likely to face Arnaldi next.
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) July 30, 2025

The world No. 3 identified maximising his game as his biggest focus. Zverev was feeling alone after facing an early exit in the Wimbledon championship. He took a break, went to Mallorca and returned in Toronto where he won his first convincingly.

“Yeah, I took some time off. I mean, I had four weeks since my last match, which doesn’t happen very often, it only happens in the off-season kind of,” Zverev said. “I’m excited to be here, I’m excited to play again, and I think the time off in the summer was extremely important for me

Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

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