Alexander Zverev has, very publicly, begun working at the Rafael Nadal Academy with Toni Nadal over the last week or so.
It is a process that has been well documented by many fans, sharing this integral piece of information that could result in a new long-term plan for the German.
After all, despite having had some high-profile names in his camp before, none have stayed for long, with his father remaining the outstanding influence guiding his progression.
Some have questioned this, and it is a decision that Alexander Zverev has defended.
Photo by Tim Clayton/Getty Images
But, with many videos surfacing of him practicing with the uncle of the 22-time Grand Slam champion, it seems like he is edging towards heeding the advice of the masses.
And some have already noticed the difference.
Alexander Zverev is already making key changes with Toni Nadal
In just a handful of videos, optimism for Zverev and the tennis community has seemingly spiked.
After all, the changes are there for all to be seen, with the 28-year-old clearly encouraged to cross the baseline into the court and be more aggressive: a tactic that many have argued he has lacked in recent years.
From the back of the court, he can exchange blows all day, but lacks the killer instinct needed to become a Grand Slam champion. Given this is what he so desperately desires, a change was necessary.
One fan wrote on X: “It’s such a big change from the practice videos we were used to seeing.”
It makes a hell of a difference
— TrikkiiNikkii (@TNikkii73538) July 18, 2025
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love seeing him work near the baseline like that. hope it finally all comes together for zverev.
— Sphairistike (@Sphairistik8) July 18, 2025
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See him effectively taking the ball on the rise with decent pace…his problem is not technique, it’s the fact that when he gets to semi final or final, he goes 5m behind baseline and defensively try to stay in rallieshttps://t.co/a0dbwoh1SL
— Harbdoul🚬👑 (@harbdouldotdev) July 18, 2025
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Another added to this, simply stating: “He seems a lot happier.”
Looks like they are working to take the ball early and flatten out that forehand 👍
— Bhaskar Goel (@bhaskar_goel) July 17, 2025
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So happy for him. The best choice he could have. Waiting for his GS soon 👍👍👍👍👍🦁❤️
— Meneghin Renata (@MeneghinRe45118) July 17, 2025
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The ripping forehand is missing in his game . Please practice that for the slam
— Srikanth (@satoshi81813998) July 17, 2025
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A change was needed for Alexander Zverev
Ahead of the most recent Grand Slam, Zverev admitted that all he wanted to do was avoid injury.
It was hardly inspiring words from the towering ball-striker, who would then go on to suffer defeat in the very first round.
He was one of many seeds to fall early, but his departure surprised few. He has never really agreed with grass, and gave an open, emotional interview in the aftermath where he admitted he was falling out of love with the sport.
It’s therefore good to see many have noticed Zverev looking far happier and already making key changes that could help him realise his ultimate goal.
Perhaps this sadness has offered him the necessary clarity to uproot his current regime in favour of a fresher, unique outlook that could propel him to glory.