There has been plenty of speculation over Alexander Zverev’s coaching situation after he headed to Rafael Nadal’s Mallorcan academy for a training block after a shock first-round Wimbledon exit. Zverev was seen training with Nadal’s uncle and former coach Toni, and there were reports that the 14-time French Open winner could act as his mentor.
But Zverev’s hopes of hiring Toni as a full-time coach have been crushed, as the Mallorcan has reportedly turned the world No. 3 down.
According to Bild, Toni’s schedule is too busy to become a travelling coach on the ATP Tour again. The 64-year-old is already the director of the Rafa Nadal Academy in Manacor and the tournament director of the Mallorca Championships.
However, Nadal’s former coach and uncle offered Zverev the chance to train at the academy and receive advice whenever he needs it.
The German jetted to Mallorca for an unexpected training block after suffering a huge upset in the first round of Wimbledon. Zverev was dumped out by then-world No. 72 Arthur Rinderknech in a five-set match that spanned two days.
He then gave a revealing press conference, claiming he’d been struggling with feelings of loneliness and lack of motivation.
“It’s a different feeling right now for me. I can’t speak for the moment. But I think I’ll have answers by Canada,” he said.
“It’s not a feeling on a tennis court, it’s just a life feeling in general. As I said, I never felt this way before. I don’t know. It’s difficult to find joy outside the tennis court for me at the moment.”
Zverev pulled out of the recent ATP event in Gstaad, citing personal reasons, and suddenly turned up at the Rafa Nadal Academy, where he was spotted on the practice court with Toni.
However, when the 28-year-old returns to action at the upcoming Masters 1000 in Canada next week, Nadal’s uncle won’t be with him.
Instead, Zverev is expected to continue working with his father, Alexander Senior, who has been a consistent figure in his box.
The world No. 3 has also previously worked with Juan Carlos Ferrero, Ivan Lendl, and David Ferrer, but each partnership has only lasted a few months.
To be the first to receive the latest tennis news, join our WhatsApp community or newsletter
Content Source: www.express.co.uk