Toni Nadal reveals that Zverev prefers to face Alcaraz rather than Sinner

Pedro de Pablos | 5 May 2026 | 12.26

Toni Nadal Reveals that Zverev Prefers to Face Alcaraz Rather than Sinner

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Toni Nadal has been very critical of Alexander Zverev after his resounding defeat against Jannik Sinner in the 2026 Mutua Madrid Open final. Furthermore, he highlighted that the German tennis player confessed that he prefers to play against Carlos Alcaraz rather than facing the world number one, and proposed a new rule to shake up tennis.

The former coach and uncle of Rafael Nadal made an appearance on the 'Radioestadio Noche' show to analyze various current topics, holding nothing back against the German tennis player, whom he was close to coaching after his time at the Rafa Nadal Academy. Toni characterized 'Sascha's' attitude in Madrid as defeatist and also took the time to analyze the wrist injury of Carlos Alcaraz, believing that he will not compete again until he is fully recovered since it is a delicate area.

"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 Alcaraz, and he told me Alcaraz; for him, Sinner is unattainable. I don't see Alcaraz below Sinner," he revealed. It is true that Sinner is a different player from Alcaraz, as Carlos has such a wide range of shots that sometimes he gives more opportunities to his opponents, something that seems to suit 'Sascha' better.

Toni Nadal analyzes Alcaraz's injury

In fact, after his defeat against Sinner in the Mutua Madrid Open final, Zverev stated that the Italian tennis player was a step above the rest, while he, Alcaraz, and Novak Djokovic were at the same level, ahead of the rest of the circuit. These statements have sparked many criticisms, which according to Toni are not true, as they lump the Murcian player in the same category as the one from St. Candido.

Indeed, the big absence in Madrid was Alcaraz, who is still recovering from his concerning wrist injury and will also miss Rome and Roland Garros. However, Nadal has called for patience, as it is best to take it slow in such a delicate area. "I don't think being number 1 worries Alcaraz much; the important thing is his recovery. The wrist is very delicate, I remember Del Potro's problems; I am sure Alcaraz won't rush."

The change that would revolutionize tennis

Finally, Toni proposed a change in tennis, with an initiative that has been discussed on previous occasions. "Officials should do something to modify the game in tennis, sometimes it's not very attractive. One measure I would propose to change tennis a bit is playing with a smaller racket. Nowadays, most matches are based on hitting as hard as possible, and there's no strategy against it," he concluded.

It is clear that the former coach of Rafa Nadal speaks his mind when appearing publicly, saying what he thinks for better or for worse. In the short term, it doesn't seem like there will be changes in tennis, but it is necessary that from time to time people like him speak out to generate debate and allow the sports world's opinion to be heard because even though it may sound insane today, perhaps the perspective will change in the future.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Toni Nadal desvela que Zverev prefiere enfrentarse a Alcaraz antes que a Sinner