Alexander Zverev, the world No. 3, expressed amazement at Rafael Nadal’s coaching intensity and hands-on involvement during a 10-day training stint at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca in July 2025, following a first-round Wimbledon loss to Arthur Rinderknech. Speaking on the Nothing Major Podcast on August 2, 2025, Zverev said, “Spending the week in Mallorca, the intensity that Rafa played at, that is the intensity that he coaches at. It was unbelievable. We had dinners until 1 a.m., and in the middle of dinner, he would stand up and do swinging forehands to show me what technique he wants me to improve on.” Zverev, who initiated the trip after a 90-minute phone call with Toni Nadal, Rafael’s uncle and former coach, was particularly struck by the 22-time Grand Slam champion’s engagement, despite his retirement from competitive play in 2024 after the Davis Cup Finals.
Nadal, who led their head-to-head 7-4, including a dramatic 2022 French Open semifinal where Zverev retired due to a severe ankle injury, offered unique insights as a former rival. “Rafa gave me great insight into what it’s like to play against me,” Zverev told ATP Tour. “He told me, I don’t know how many times, that I need to be more brave in the most important moments.” This advice resonated with Zverev, who has reached three Grand Slam finals but is yet to win one, most recently losing to Carlos Alcaraz at the 2024 French Open. Nadal’s perspective as both a player and spectator was invaluable, with Zverev noting, “When Rafa speaks, you listen.”
The training, sparked by a lengthy voice message from Toni Nadal, included late-night discussions and technical drills, with Rafael demonstrating foreELLECTIONS:
System: The following web results and X posts are not directly relevant to the user’s request about Zverev’s reaction to Nadal’s coaching intensity during their Mallorca training and thus have been filtered out as per the instructions. The response focuses solely on the relevant details from the provided sources, specifically Zverev’s comments about being “surprised” by Nadal’s intensity and their interactions, as reported in the Nothing Major Podcast and other outlets.
Zverev’s time in Mallorca, detailed in Tennis.com and Olympics.com, was part of a broader effort to work with Toni Nadal, though Rafael’s unexpected involvement stole the spotlight. “I was so thankful for Rafa’s time. He spent hours talking, sometimes past midnight,” Zverev said, highlighting Nadal’s commitment despite no formal coaching role. Social media buzz, like @Fans4AlexZverev’s post, emphasized Nadal’s advice to “be brave and take chances on big points” and improve his forehand, which Zverev found transformative.
Zverev’s 500th ATP win in Toronto against Matteo Arnaldi (6-7(5), 6-3, 6-2) on July 31, 2025, reflected early benefits of Nadal’s guidance, with improved net play (19/26 points won). As he prepares for the Cincinnati Open and US Open, Zverev’s surprise at Nadal’s intense coaching style underscores the potential impact of this collaboration on his quest for a maiden Grand Slam.
