Toni Nadal Criticizes Alexander Zverev’s Attitude After Madrid Open Defeat to Jannik Sinner: “He Prefers to Play Against Carlos Alcaraz”

Jannik Sinner clinched an easy 6-1, 6-2 win in the Madrid Open final over Alexander Zverev to become the first man in history to win the first four Masters 1000s of the season. Rafael Nadal‘s uncle and former coach, Toni Nadal, believes the German had accepted defeat even before entering the championship clash.

It was Zverev’s ninth consecutive defeat to Sinner, and now he trails 4-10 in the head-to-head matchups. It was also their fourth meeting of the season. Last year, the three-time Major finalist trained at the Rafa Nadal Academy for 10 days, and this started rumors of a possible coaching partnership with Toni.

But Toni declined the coaching offer due to other commitments. And now, after Sinner’s thrashing of Sascha in Madrid, Toni revealed a conversation he had with Zverev, while also criticizing him for his mentality while facing the four-time Major champion.

A final that ends in less than an hour between the number 1 and 3 is not normal; Zverev was defeated by Sinner. At one point, I asked Zverev whom he preferred to play against, whether with Sinner or with [Carlos] Alcaraz, and he told me Alcaraz; for him, Sinner is unattainable. I don’t see Alcaraz below Sinner.

Toni Nadal said via Radioestadio Noche

Alcaraz did not compete in Madrid because of an injury he suffered during the Barcelona Open. He is not playing in the ongoing Italian Open and also withdrew from Roland Garros, where he is a two-time reigning champion.

I don’t think being number 1 worries Alcaraz much; the important thing is his recovery. The wrist is very delicate. I remember [Juan Martin] Del Potro’s problems; I am sure Alcaraz won’t rush.

Toni Nadal added

Alcaraz’s defeat to Sinner in the Monte Carlo final saw him lose his No.1 ranking to the Italian. He will continue to lose more points as he won’t be defending his titles in Rome and Paris. It was Sinner whom he defeated in the finals of these events last year.

Sam Querrey backs Jannik Sinner to surpass Novak Djokovic’s record

Jannik Sinner needs just four more wins in Rome to break Novak Djokovic‘s record of 31-match winning streak in Masters 1000 events. The Serb achieved the feat back in 2011, winning titles at the Indian Wells Masters, Miami Open, Madrid Open, Italian Open, and the Canadian Open, and his run to the final in Cincinnati. Sam Querrey is convinced that Sinner breaking Djokovic’s record is inevitable.

Sinner will surpass Djokovic’s record. He needs four victories in Rome, and Djokovic is playing against Zverev. He is hands down the best player in the world; he has won 23 matches consecutively in total and 28 in Masters 1000. Without Carlos Alcaraz, who will defeat him? I don’t see anyone who can beat this guy in Rome.

Sam Querrey said on the Nothing Major Show

Sinner will complete the Career Golden Masters if he wins in Rome. Djokovic has also confirmed that he will be playing to compete for his seventh title. The 24-time Major champion, after his victory over Sinner in the Australian Open semifinal, lost the final to Carlos Alcaraz in what was also his first Major final since the 2024 Wimbledon (lost to Alcaraz in straight sets).

Djokovic was last seen in action at the Indian Wells, losing to Jack Draper in the fourth round. He then skipped the Monte-Carlo Masters and the Madrid Open. Last year, instead of the Rome event, Djokovic played in the Geneva Open and defeated Hubert Hurkacz to become the third man in the Open Era to win 100 or more ATP singles titles.

Also read: Eugenie Bouchard Nearly Missed Flight Due to ‘Dangerous’ Montreal Airport Situation