Toni Nadal Weighs In on Alexander Zverev’s Chances of Challenging Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner: “French Open Title Has Transformed Him”

The Roland Garros title has changed Alexander Zverev, believes Rafael Nadal‘s uncle and former coach, Toni Nadal. Sascha took home his career’s first Grand Slam title after a five-set thriller against Flavio Cobolli. It was the second time Zverev competed in the final of the clay-court Major, after losing a five-set match to Carlos Alcaraz in the 2024 season.

Next at Wimbledon, he not only advanced past the fourth round for the first time but also reached the final, losing to defending champion Jannik Sinner. Then came the US Open.

Zverev, who lost in five sets to Dominic Thiem in the 2020 US Open final, reached the title clash once again, but this time he wrapped the tournament in his favor with a four-set win over home favorite Ben Shelton.

Toni believes the two Grand Slam wins will bring him closer to his two rivals, Alcaraz and Sinner, against whom he trails 6-7 and 4-11 in the head-to-head matchups, respectively.

The peace of mind and self-confidence that comes with winning one of the four Grand Slam tournaments was on full display again on Sunday with Sascha Zverev’s performance. His victory at the recent French Open has transformed him into a different player. He has gone from being a player who struggled in these kinds of tournaments and was unable to demonstrate his potential, to one who can now offer his best form.

Toni Nadal wrote in his column for El Pais

Both Alcaraz and Sinner skipped at least one Major this season because of injuries. After suffering a wrist injury at the Barcelona Open, Alcaraz withdrew from both the French Open and Wimbledon. Sinner withdrew from the US Open with a knee injury. In Paris, he lost in the second round after a physical collapse, while Alcaraz lost to Shelton in the US Open quarterfinals.

This second Grand Slam title will allow Zverev to fight openly for the end-of-season number one, in addition to providing a new impetus to his career. Something that I think will bring him even closer to his greatest rivals: Alcaraz and Sinner.

Toni Nadal added

Sinner’s top-ranked position is now in danger, as he has a 1,810-point lead over second-ranked Zverev. The five-time Grand Slam champion dethroned Alcaraz from the top after defeating him in the Monte-Carlo Masters final.

Kim Clijsters reacts to Ben Shelton’s defeat to Alexander Zverev at the US Open

Ben Shelton, prior to this US Open, had never made it past the semifinals of Grand Slam events, reaching the last four only twice, including once in his home Slam in 2023. The 23-year-old was chasing his fifth title of the season in his fifth final, having won titles in Dallas, Stuttgart, Munich, and Montreal.

Following his defeat to Alexander Zverev for the sixth consecutive time, former WTA No.1 Kim Clijsters said the American ace has it in him to win a Grand Slam title.

This is why you build and play these matches, and why he becomes a bit more patient as well. He’s grown and matured as a tennis player in front of our eyes. Not so much with his tennis. He’s always had very explosive shots, and he’s a great server and can move well. But I feel his maturity on court, how he keeps the adrenaline under control and uses it at the right times – which was nice to see.

Kim Clijsters said on her Love All podcast

The only time Shelton won in straight sets at the US Open was against two-time Grand Slam finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas in the fourth round. Outside the US Open, the only time he reached a Major quarterfinal this season was at the Australian Open.

Also read: Jessica Pegula Lauds Aryna Sabalenka for Playing ‘Insane’ Tennis After Getting ‘Mad’