According to the latest reports from foreign media, Uncle Toni will not be collaborating with Zverev because he is too occupied to arrange his schedule. However, he stated that if the German player needs help, he can come to the Nadal Academy to train with him at any time.
After this year's Wimbledon, a reporter captured the German star training at the Nadal Academy, with Uncle Toni as his coach. Following this revelation, many people are excited about the possibility of this duo. Many netizens speculate that Zverev's request for help from the Nadal family might not only involve Uncle Toni but could also lead to Nadal himself stepping in to provide guidance. Others suggest that not only Nadal but Federer might also come forward as a "technical advisor" to assist Zverev in achieving his long-held Grand Slam dreams.
However, now that Uncle Toni has declined Zverev's offer for collaboration, all these speculations may ultimately prove to be mere fantasies. As for when the German player will be able to rise from his slump, perhaps only time will tell.
Nevertheless, even though Toni has turned down a full-time coaching role, his sharp critiques have already pinpointed Zverev's weaknesses: "He has top-notch skills but a fragile mindset, failing to correct the key flaws that prevent him from becoming a Grand Slam champion over the years." This renowned coach, who has developed 16 Grand Slam champions, believes in an essential coaching philosophy—championships are not won through pretty shots, but through the will to endure more than others.
For 28-year-old Zverev, this brief collaboration is not without value. Former world number two Tommy Haas analyzed, "If he can establish a training bond with the Nadal team, it will bring a comprehensive sense of harmony to his game. What he needs now is not technical adjustments, but a breakthrough of the psychological barrier that hinders him from winning a Grand Slam." The open door to the Nadal Academy provides a potential path for this transformation.
One netizen analyzed, "Zverev needs to step outside and explore; he doesn't necessarily need a collaboration, but he should hear more voices and suggestions instead of living in the cage woven by his family! Although this cooperation is brief, for him, receiving new advice and ideas is certainly better than being stuck in isolation!"
Now, let's turn our attention to another piece of news from the tennis world: tennis legend Connors recently stated in an interview that he still firmly believes Djokovic can achieve his goal of 25 titles.
In Connors' view, Djokovic's journey in New York is fraught with challenges, yet hope remains. "The downside is that if he doesn't make it to the top four, he'll face three tough matches in a row, even having to compete back-to-back against Sinner and Alcaraz." The American legend admitted, "For a 38-year-old veteran, this is a daunting task, but as long as he has the courage, he must be brave enough to take it on."
Connors keenly perceives Djokovic's instinct for victory and defeat. He believes that although Djokovic is eager to win Wimbledon this year, he certainly won't be pleased with the results in the semifinals. He referenced Djokovic's past experiences, stating, "Losing three sets in a row is something he's not accustomed to; that's not him, that's not his style. So believe me, this guy will surely come up with some strategies for the US Open that might surprise many people. You know, I really want to see that."
Connors' prediction is not just empty talk; Djokovic has conquered the US Open in 2011, 2015, 2018, and 2023. Even though he lost in 2020 due to accidentally hitting an official, he remains one of the most formidable competitors on hard courts.
Djokovic's former coach Becker has pointed out sharply: "At 38, recovery takes longer and injuries are more likely." However, the "strategies" Connors hopes for may be the very weapons Djokovic relies on to counter the youthful storm—utilizing Grand Slam experience and reasonable tactical adjustments to seize fleeting opportunities in the grueling best-of-five set battles.
"I haven't ruled him out. As long as he has the courage, he must be brave enough to take action. Sometimes, that courage will eventually come. Listen, there's nothing more satisfying than getting things right." Connors stated firmly.
In fact, I believe that both Zverev and Djokovic face similar dilemmas; the issue they both must confront is: how to find a breakthrough amidst the dominance of Alcaraz and Sinner.
Zverev has reached the Grand Slam finals three times but has failed each time, most recently losing to Alcaraz (2024 French Open) and Sinner (2025 Australian Open). Meanwhile, since Djokovic's victory at the 2023 US Open, he has gone nearly seven Grand Slams without a title, with championships being claimed by two rising stars born in the 2000s.
For both of them, the current predicament is similar, but the former is trapped in a psychological slump, while the latter struggles more with physical limitations. Therefore, the journey to the US Open is crucial for both, representing a kind of redemption. Will they be able to break through the impenetrable dominance of Alcaraz and Sinner? Let's wait and see.(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Lu Xiaotian)