Toni Nadal confirms the key reason why Zverev can close the gap on Alcaraz and Sinner

Carlos Navarro - 15 Sep 2026 | 15:34
Toni Nadal Carlos Alcaraz Jannik Sinner Alexander Zverev ATP US Open 2026

Rafa's former coach reflected on the German's triumph, whom he welcomed to the Academy not long ago, and confirmed which aspects of his tennis he sees improved.

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Toni Nadal talked about Zverev's victory.

Alexander Zverev chose the Rafael Nadal Academy as his vacation spot last summer. He was not looking for a paradise refuge in the turquoise waters of Mallorca; instead, he made the tennis courts his training base and the advice of Toni Nadal his guiding light. His goal was to evolve as a tennis player, leaving behind fears by absorbing the winning mentality of a place with history and prestige.

One year and two months later, Sascha is a two-time Grand Slam champion and the standout player of 2026 in the major venues, having been able to shed the biggest burden of his career and is now considered a threat even to Alcaraz and Sinner. Not all the reasons for his evolution are present, but that short stint in the Balearic Islands allows us to take into account opinions like Toni's, who shared those days with the German and has been a direct witness to his evolution, especially on a mental level.

The key to Alexander Zverev's progression, by Toni Nadal

In a regular column for the newspaper El País, Rafa's former coach reflected on what Sascha's victory means in this US Open 2026. His opening lines are even surprising: he compared the possible impact of a win by Ben Shelton with what it meant for Stan Wawrinka to win his first Grand Slam, considering the American a future major threat to Carlos, who, for now, has not yet reached full combustion.

However, his main comments are dedicated to the German, whom he describes as "a different player" after winning the Musketeers' Cup. According to Toni, Sascha used to be someone who "would freeze up" in moments of pressure and when facing five-set matches, questioning his mentality in major scenarios; now, Nadal believes that the German reaches "his best version" when it comes to the Majors. Despite the two initial matches against Sonego and Halys, Toni refers to the confidence gained by prevailing in pressure points and recalls his magnificent performance against Jannik Sinner in the Wimbledon 2026 final as proof that we are witnessing a new Zverev.

Nadal outlines the keys to Zverev’s victory over Shelton

When analyzing the final of the last Grand Slam, Toni described the German's performance as a genuine masterclass tactically, pointing out several key points: his efficiency with the serve, the balance between playing aggressive shots and others with more control from the baseline, and finally, a magnificent handling of nerves and total conviction in the mental aspect, going for the match at important moments and without hesitation in times of pressure.

And now, what? To conclude, the Balearic has a clear idea of what Sascha's next great goal should be: to aspire to be the number one in the world, dethroning Jannik Sinner, who defends a significant number of points until the end of the season. That said, that numerical goal is merely a precursor to what should be the true objective for the German: to close the gap with Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner... something that Toni doesn't see as far-fetched. "This victory is a new boost in Zverev's career, and I believe it will bring him even closer to his two biggest rivals: Alcaraz and Sinner." Will Uncle Toni be right?

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Toni Nadal confirma la clave por la que Zverev puede acercarse a Alcaraz y Sinner