"For example, last year Zverev played Alcaraz at Roland Garros and won the second and third sets. But right at the beginning of the fourth set, he seemed to give up," Nadal told German newspaper Sport.de on 23/7. "When you have the advantage, you can't lose it so quickly. At that point, you have to really focus. But Zverev started complaining to his team and within 10 minutes was down 0-4."

Zverev (left) congratulates Alcaraz after the 2024 Roland Garros final, on Philippe Chatrier court, Paris, France. Photo: Reuters

Zverev (left) congratulates Alcaraz after the 2024 Roland Garros final, on Philippe Chatrier court, Paris, France. Photo: Reuters

In the 2024 Roland Garros final, Zverev lost the first set 3-6 but regained control and won 6-2, 7-5 in the following two sets. His consistent baseline play and ability to hold serve helped him gain an edge over Alcaraz, who was at the peak of his form. But Zverev suddenly lost his rhythm in the fourth set, losing all three of his service games and falling 1-6. This set loss shattered Zverev's spirit, causing him to lose 2-6 in the fifth.

Nadal explained that suddenly losing momentum is not uncommon. But Zverev's body language and negative reaction to adversity are taboo in a Grand Slam final. "Giving up causes your own mentality to collapse while boosting your opponent's excitement," he said. "I'm not criticizing Zverev, because I respect his talent, but he needs to change."

The 64-year-old coach recalled Zverev playing well against Nadal and Federer, even eliminating Djokovic in the Tokyo Olympics semi-final, which he went on to win. "Clearly he can beat the best players in history," Toni Nadal added. "If he adjusts his mentality, he can win a Grand Slam. Why lose a game when leading Sinner 40-0 in the Australian Open final? He needs to give his all in the areas where he is weakest. He needs to be more decisive."

Toni Nadal's view echoes the advice Federer gave Zverev in a German newspaper interview last year. At the time, the Swiss legend suggested Zverev tends to play it safe even when he has an advantage, putting him on the defensive and giving his opponent a chance to attack. Federer recommended Zverev attack more aggressively and take more risks for greater rewards. Zverev's brother, former player Mischa, later refuted Federer, saying Zverev is number three in the world and knows how to play.

Zverev is currently training at the Rafael Nadal Academy in Mallorca, under Toni Nadal's direct guidance. Earlier this month, after his early exit from Wimbledon, the 28-year-old said he might seek a new coach to improve his game and pursue his Grand Slam dream. For the past 5 years, Zverev has mainly trained with his father and brother. Early in his career, the 1.98m tall player worked with Alcaraz's current coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, from 2017-2018, followed by David Ferrer and Ivan Lendl, but none for more than a year.

Vy Anh