Follow us on Google Discover Alexander Zverev is looking for a switch-up in his coaching team amid poor form on the ATP Tour.
The German, still ranked third in the world, has endured a difficult second half to the season, crashing out in the early stages of several tournaments, including Wimbledon and the US Open.
Recently, Zverev’s Asian swing ended in disappointment, having bowed out in the third round of the Shanghai Masters to Arthur Rinderknech.
One potential candidate to become his next head coach is Rafael Nadal‘s uncle, Toni Nadal, whom the 28-year-old trained with in the summer.
Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty ImagesAlexander Zverev discusses potential appointment of Toni Nadal
In July, Zverev worked with Nadal for a brief period in Mallorca ahead of the North American hard-court swing.
He spent 10 days with him, and said it was an ‘amazing’ experience, before revealing he was trying to convince the Spaniard to spend more weeks with him.
Speaking to Sky Sports recently, Zverev issued an update on their current relationship.
“We are in touch,” he said. “We are talking a lot about what next year could possibly look like. But so far, there is no news, and I will update you guys when I know more.”
When asked what he would like next year to look like, he responded: “I would like him to come to Australia with me to start, so we will see!”
Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty ImagesWhat Toni Nadal has previously said about Alexander Zverev
Nadal has been vocal in the past about where Zverev can improve his game.
In an interview with Sport.de in July, the legendary coach said: “[With] Zverev it’s a mental problem.
“For example last year when he played against [Carlos] Alcaraz in the Roland Garros final, he won the third set and start the fourth.
“In this moment he knows he plays against Alcaraz, Alcaraz is a wonderful player. This is a moment when you have to put a lot of attention in these first games.
“In this moment Zverev played, in the first game, he was in troubles with his team, he started to talk, and within 10 minutes it was 4-0 or 4-1 to Alcaraz.
“This is what can happen. I don’t say this to be bad to Zverev, because I appreciate him, but for me, he has to change.”
Zverev has yet to capture an elusive Grand Slam title in his career, and it will only get harder for him as Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz continue to improve.