Former World No.2 Reveals What Toni Nadal Will Bring to the Table if Alexander Zverev Appoints Him as Coach

Alexander Zverev is currently being coached by his father Alexander Mikhailovic Zverev Sr. despite being spotted with Toni Nadal.

Former World No.2 Reveals What Toni Nadal Will Bring to the Table if Alexander Zverev Appoints Him as Coach

Alexander Zverev and Toni Nadal (via X/Wimbledon/Nadal fan)

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Alexander Zverev has been recently spotted with Rafael Nadal‘s uncle Toni Nadal, training together on the practice court. There has been no official report that the legendary coach is partnering with Zverev, as the German is still coached by his father, Alexander Mikhailovic. However, former ATP player Tommy Haas believes Zverev needs Toni Nadal as his coach.

Zverev has been through a rough patch this season. With only one ATP 500 title to his name in 2025, the World No.3 has been heavily criticized for not challenging Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz on tour. While he finished as runners-up at the Australian Open, he failed to reach the semifinals of the French Open and Wimbledon.

After Sinner was suspended for three months, there was a likelihood that Zverev would overtake the Italian as he was ranked No.2 at that time in the ATP rankings, but the 28-year-old struggled on the court and was able to reach only one final before the World No. 1’s return to tour. That also led Alcaraz to overtake him in the rankings.

At the just concluded Wimbledon Championship, the German star suffered a shocking defeat in the first round. He lost in five sets to Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech despite being the favorite to win the clash. After the match, he revealed that he felt empty, lonely, and lacked joy while playing on the court.

Just a few days after the Championship, he was spotted with Toni Nadal, training together on the hard courts. During an interview with Eurosport, Tommy Haas was asked about the duo working together. The former World No.2 revealed that it would bring harmony in Zverev’s game if they eventually work together.

I have a lot of respect for Toni Nadal; I think any coach who had a player like Rafa Nadal under their wings would have celebrated his success greatly. However, he always showed a very particular attitude both on and off the court, an ideal attitude that ended up leading to Rafa having a prodigious career. I have had the opportunity to speak with him; he knows very well how to seek that harmony with the player in all aspects, so Sascha will be the one to decide. It seems that he is now willing to consider other ways and seek alternative paths to achieve that coveted Grand Slam title.

Toni Nadal became a famous coach in the tennis world because of his role in his nephew’s career. The Spaniard became Rafa’s coach from childhood and was with him until 2017, guiding him to 16 Grand Slam glory. Rafael Nadal has often revealed how much impact the 64-year-old had in his career.

Tommy Haas on what is missing from Alexander Zverev’s excellent career

Zverev has won 35 of his 49 matches on tour this season. With just one title to his name, he has managed to reach three finals this year. His last final came at the Stuttgart Open, where he was beaten in straight sets by Taylor Fritz. He then went on to reach the semi-finals of the Terra Wortmann Open before Wimbledon.

Alexander Zverev
Alexander Zverev

During the aforementioned interview, Tommy Haas revealed that the only thing remaining for Zverev to achieve is winning a Grand Slam title. Haas added that apart from that, the German ace has had an excellent career on tour.

If we look at his record and statistics, the reality is that Sascha has had an excellent career. We can truly say that there is only one thing left for him to achieve, that Grand Slam title he has been pursuing for so long and desires above all else. What happened at Wimbledon was something very specific; I believe it is the first time in many years that he has lost in the first round of a Grand Slam tournament or lost relatively early.

Zverev has been to three Grand Slam finals. The last two came in the space of eight months, losing to Carlos Alcaraz at the 2024 French Open final and then to Jannik Sinner at the 2025 Australian Open final.

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