The role Rafael Nadal could play if Alexander Zverev hires Toni Nadal as his new coach

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Alexander Zverev has a new potential coaching option in Toni Nadal, who coached his nephew Rafael Nadal for the majority of his career.

Zverev has been training with Toni Nadal following his shock Wimbledon exit, where he fell in the first round.

The ATP number three was the third seed at the grass court Grand Slam, but lost his opener to Arthur Rinderknech in five sets.

Zverev had planned to play at the Swiss Open in Gstaad this week, but opted to withdraw from the ATP 250 event.

The German has instead practiced with renowned tennis coach Toni Nadal at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca.

What role could Rafael Nadal play if Toni Nadal is Alexander Zverev’s new coach?

And according to Sky Sports Germany, the pair are carrying out a trial, which could result in Toni Nadal becoming Zverev’s new coach.

Moreover, Rafael Nadal could act as a mentor to the 28-year-old, who has reached and lost three Grand Slam finals.

READ MORE: Rafael Nadal sends message to both Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz after their Wimbledon final finishes

Nadal heavily praised Zverev after knocking him out of the Australian Open in 2017, with the former rivals now potentially set to link up on the court.

How has Alexander Zverev performed this year compared to his career overall?

It would certainly be an intriguing match-up, with Nadal having coached his nephew to 16 of his 22 Grand Slam titles.

And it would also likely be a smart decision from Zverev, who seemingly requires a change at this moment in his career.

READ MORE: Toni Nadal already thinks he knows the problem Alexander Zverev is having which is stopping him from winning Grand Slams

He has, of course, enjoyed a stunning career, which has involved winning a fantastic 24 titles on the ATP Tour.

Zverev has also reached number two in the world rankings, and needs just two more wins to reach the 500 mark.

But such trials are commonplace in tennis, meaning the player and the coach may not continue their work together in the future.

And the involvement of 22-time Grand Slam champion Nadal would, of course, send shockwaves around the tennis world, much like Novak Djokovic did when he decided to appoint his former rival Andy Murray.