Alexander Zverev has expressed his hope that Toni Nadal can “maximise his potential” and also addressed the possbility of being coached by Rafael Nadal.

The three-time Grand Slam finalist spent 10 days training at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca ahead of the North American hard-court swing.

Zverev has revealed he gained “some great insight” after spending hours talking to both Toni and Rafael Nadal.

It has been reported by German newspaper that Toni Nadal “turned down” an offer to travel as Zverev’s coach due to his other commitments. As well as his role at his nephew’s academy, Nadal is the tournament director for the ATP 250 in Mallorca and works as a speaker for sport coaches, universities and companies.

Despite this, Zverev has divulged that he is still trying to convince the 64-year-old Mallorcan to spend more weeks working with him.

The world No 3 will begin his campaign at the 2025 Canadian Open with a second round assignment against world No 88 Adam Walton after receiving a first round bye.

Speaking to the media in Toronto, Zverev was asked if there was a chance that 22-time Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal could join his team as a mentor.

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“(Laughing). Yeah, I mean, he spent quite a lot of time with me actually as well, so I’m very thankful for that,” said the German.

Alexander Zverev News

Zverev, who is the top seed in Canada, identified maximising his game as his biggest focus.

“I mean, I think at this stage for me it’s about winning, and trying to maximise what I have, and trying to maximise what I can become,” he explained.

“Again, I think my team, but also Toni are exceptional in that, in maximising what a player has.

“Of course, he was with Rafa before, which I’m never going to compare myself to Rafa, but if he can maximise what I have, and he can maximise the potential that I have, I’m sure that I can have a lot more success in my career.”

The 28-year-old has not competed since his five-set opening round Wimbledon loss to Arthur Rinderknech on July 1.

Following the defeat, a despondent Zverev revealed he felt “empty” and “alone” and said he was open to seeking help from a therapist.

Zverev has proclaimed that his time away from tennis has been beneficial ahead of his return to action.

“Yeah, I took some time off. I mean, I had four weeks since my last match, which doesn’t happen very often, it only happens in the off-season kind of,” Zverev said.

“I’m excited to be here, I’m excited to play again, and I think the time off in the summer was extremely important for me.”