Rafael Nadal welcomes Alexander Zverev back to his academy after historic slam wins

Rafael Nadal hosted Alexander Zverev at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca this week, marking a dramatic turnaround for the German star.

What happened?

On 15 July 2026, Alexander Zverev arrived in Mallorca for a training block at the Rafa Nadal Academy. The visit came exactly one year after Zverev’s first trip to the academy in July 2025, when he was reeling from a first-round Wimbledon exit and deep self-doubt. This time, Zverev returned as the reigning French Open champion, world No. 2, and a Wimbledon finalist.

Why it matters for Rafael Nadal

For Nadal, the reunion underscores the academy’s role in shaping careers beyond his own. Zverev’s 2025 stay in Mallorca included sessions with Toni Nadal and conversations with Rafael Nadal about mental blocks and Grand Slam breakthroughs. Those talks became a turning point for Zverev, who had never advanced past the fourth round at Wimbledon before 2026.

But the contrast is stark. In 2025, Zverev was searching for answers after another painful Wimbledon loss. In 2026, he lifted the Roland Garros trophy on 8 June and reached the Wimbledon final on 14 July, losing to Jannik Sinner. Images of the two Grand Slam champions together quickly spread on social media, highlighting the bond between them.

What comes next?

Zverev now turns to the North American hard-court swing with fresh momentum. He’ll train under his father, Alexander Zverev Sr., at the academy before heading to the U.S. Open Series. The Rafa Nadal Academy posted footage of Zverev back on court in Mallorca, signaling a fresh chapter after his breakthrough summer.

Rafael Nadal and Toni Nadal were not spotted in the latest sessions, but Zverev’s return carries symbolic weight. After years of near misses, Zverev finally broke through. His 2026 run-clay and grass combined-reshaped his career, and the academy’s guidance played a part in that turnaround.