Alexander Zverev discusses hiring Nadal as coach to prepare for next year's ATP tour

Alexander Zverev has dropped a major hint about reshaping his coaching setup ahead of the upcoming ATP season — and it involves one of the most respected names in tennis. The German star, currently ranked third in the world, has opened up about his discussions with Rafael Nadal’s uncle, Toni Nadal, to potentially join his team for the 2026 season.

Alexander Zverev seeks a change after a difficult stretch

Zverev’s second half of the season has been anything but smooth. Despite maintaining a top-three ranking, the 28-year-old has struggled to find consistency on the court. Early exits at Wimbledon and the US Open raised questions about his form and coaching strategy.

His recent Asian swing also ended in disappointment when he was defeated in the third round of the Shanghai Masters by Arthur Rinderknech. The slump has led Alexander Zverev to consider bringing fresh energy and experience into his corner — and few names carry more influence than Toni Nadal, who helped shape Rafael Nadal into one of the greatest players in tennis history.

Training with Toni Nadal in Mallorca

In July, Zverev spent 10 days training with Nadal in Mallorca ahead of the North American hard-court swing. The German spoke highly of the experience, calling it “amazing,” and has since expressed his interest in extending their collaboration.

The brief training stint seems to have left a strong impression on Zverev, who is now exploring a long-term partnership. He revealed that talks are ongoing between the two as he looks to finalize his plans for the 2026 season.

Zverev confirms ongoing discussions

Speaking to Sky Sports, Alexander Zverev provided an update on his current relationship with Toni Nadal, saying:

“We are in touch. 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 about his hopes for next season, the 2020 Olympic gold medalist added:

“I would like him to come to Australia with me to start, so we will see!”

This statement has fueled speculation that the partnership could debut at the Australian Open, marking a new chapter in Zverev’s career as he aims to regain his dominant form and challenge for Grand Slam titles.