Rafael Nadal’s academy recently welcomed Alexander Zverev for an intensive training block under Toni Nadal and brief sessions with the legend himself. Fresh off a tough Wimbledon exit and a candid discussion about his mental health, Zverev sought new perspectives to break through in Grand Slams.
He worked closely with Toni Nadal’s proven methods for over 10 days in Mallorca, sparking speculation about a more formal collaboration.
Alexander Zverev Explains Rafael Nadal’s Future Involvement in His Training
During a press conference at the National Bank Open in Toronto, a reporter asked Zverev about the potential partnership with Toni. “Could you please tell us more about that, and any chance Rafa will join the team as the mentor?” the reporter asked.
Zverev, while laughing, replied, “Yeah, he spent quite a lot of time with me, actually, as well, so I’m very thankful for that. I mean, the time in Mallorca was amazing. I spent about 10 days there, and worked really hard and enjoyed it as well. I think Toni enjoyed it probably as well.”
With a smile on his face, the German added, “I’m trying to convince him to do more weeks with me, and we’ll see how it goes, but he’s a very busy man. Also, he has a lot of dates that he already committed to this year, so I’m not sure how much of him you’ll see this year, because he gave his word to a lot of events and a lot of speeches already.”
Finally, Zverev concluded by saying, “We’re talking about what a potential partnership could look like, for sure, and, yeah, I can give you an update probably in a few weeks’ time when we know more. But, yeah, I enjoyed my time there, that’s for sure.”
Zverev’s Training Under Toni and Rafael Nadal in Rafa Nadal Academy, Mallorca
Zverev’s time at the Rafa Nadal Academy has been closely watched, especially following his candid discussion about his mental health after Wimbledon. Reports suggest that the German chose this experience to seek a fresh perspective in this challenging period in his career.
At the academy, Zverev had a daily routine crafted by Toni, renowned for his disciplined approach and legendary work with Rafael. Sessions were tailored to push Zverev’s physical and mental limits, taking advantage of the intense Mallorca climate. Zverev credited these sessions for helping him sharpen his game, particularly when it comes to staying aggressive and composed on both clay and hard courts.
The German acknowledged that working directly with Toni, as well as the brief but impactful interactions with Rafael, provided invaluable insights. This strategic move reflects his determination to break through and achieve his ambitions at the Grand Slams ahead.
