PICTURES: Rafael Nadal’s sister Maribel all smiles after meeting Alexander Zverev during German’s unexpected training stint at Mallorca academy
Mallorca, Spain – Rafael Nadal’s sister, Maribel Nadal, was all smiles on Thursday, July 17, 2025, as she greeted Alexander Zverev during the German tennis star’s unexpected training stint at the Rafa Nadal Academy. The warm encounter, captured in photos shared on social media, showcased a friendly exchange between Maribel and Zverev, highlighting the welcoming atmosphere at the prestigious facility. The meeting comes amid growing speculation about a potential coaching collaboration between Zverev and Toni Nadal, Rafael’s longtime coach, following the 28-year-old’s disappointing first-round exit at Wimbledon 2025.
The images, taken against the backdrop of the academy’s lush courts at around 5:04 PM WAT, depict Maribel beaming as she chats with Zverev, who is seen in his training gear. Maribel, a key figure in the Nadal family and involved in the academy’s operations, appeared delighted to host the world No. 3, who arrived in Mallorca after withdrawing from the Swiss Open Gstaad to focus on this training block. The photos, widely circulated on X, have sparked excitement among fans, with @tennisinsider noting, “Maribel’s smile says it all—Zverev’s integration into the Nadal camp is off to a great start!”
Zverev’s presence at the academy follows a challenging 2025 season, marked by a French Open quarter-final loss to Novak Djokovic and a Wimbledon defeat to Arthur Rinderknech (7-6(7), 6-7(8), 6-3, 6-7(5), 6-4). Reports from *ZDF Heute* and *Sky Sports Germany* indicate he is trialing a coaching partnership with Toni Nadal, who guided Rafael to 16 of his 22 Grand Slam titles. The collaboration could also involve mentorship from Rafael, retired since November 2024, to address Zverev’s mental and tactical hurdles. Boris Becker has endorsed the move, calling it a “top choice” on his *Becker Petkovic* podcast, though he warned of Toni’s demanding “Spanish school” approach.
Maribel’s warm reception underscores the Nadal family’s support for Zverev’s potential integration into their tennis legacy. The academy, a hub for elite training, has previously hosted players like Felix Auger-Aliassime under Toni’s guidance. Zverev, still seeking his first Major after three finals, aims to refine his game ahead of the Canadian Open (July 26–August 7, 2025) and the US Open. With negotiations ongoing, Maribel’s cheerful demeanor suggests a positive start to what could be a transformative chapter for the German star at the heart of the Nadal empire.
