2025 ATP General News

[MargaretMcAleer]

Andy Murray reveals he was not ready to coach Novak Djokovic and that he didnt have answers to his questions.
"I would say that most players are sort of weak at the technical side of the game.At times, Novak was looking for quite a lot of technical feedback and it was something that I didnt feel comfortable with. So that was something that I will definately, it I was going to coach again in the future, I would want to work on and learn from someone who's very good at that"
" I would probably enjoy working with a younger player.Try to help any of the British players".
" I think at some stage I would like to to do it again"
( source tennis.com)
"

 

[don_fabio]

Toni Nadal with some words of wisdom on Zverev's situation.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Toni Nadal with some words of wisdom on Zverev's situation.

Zverev's been doing a training block at Rafa's academy under the watch full eye of Toni, what Toni said is 'spot on"
We here at TF have been saying the same thing for how many years now?
"When the going gets tough" Zverev disappears.

 

[PhiEaglesfan712]

There’s no room in the calendar before the French. Some of these are residue tourneys from aeons so. They still sell tickets, players can earn, but yeah, strategically they serve no purpose for the big HC events. In fact, they’d get in a players way…

Oh, so basically a tournament Novak can join if he were to lose early at Wimbledon in the coming years, and is still chasing a 104th title.

 

[Moxie]

Oh, so basically a tournament Novak can join if he were to lose early at Wimbledon in the coming years, and is still chasing a 104th title.

Clay, at his age? If he's going to poach 250s, I don't think they'll be on clay.

 

[Moxie]

Toni Nadal with some words of wisdom on Zverev's situation.

Thanks for this article. It's not out of nowhere that Toni quotes great philosophers. He has always taken a deeply philosophical approach to coaching. (I actually have a little book called "Sirve Nadal, Responde Sócrates" from 2009, written by Toni, with the journalist Pere Mas, all about it.) Toni definitely believes that character makes the man, and the athlete. He has said that, with Rafael, they chose to focus not on the talent, but on the hard work, because some days the talent abandons you, and that's where the hard work kicks in. I think he was saying as much when he said that Sascha seems to be unable to surmount the days when he's not playing his best. When he feels his talent abandons him, he has nowhere to go. That's a problem.

I think Toni was kind in his criticism. But pay attention when Toni says that Zverev should work on his "self-control." I'm sure he's not impressed by his outbursts. Not just talent, but strength of character makes a great player. Mental toughness comes from a deep, solid core. I'm sorry that Zverev is suffering such an existential crisis. He should look deep within himself to see if he can overcome it, and get what he wants from tennis.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Thanks for this article. It's not out of nowhere that Toni quotes great philosophers. He has always taken a deeply philosophical approach to coaching. (I actually have a little book called "Sirve Nadal, Responde Sócrates" from 2009, written by Toni, with the journalist Pere Mas, all about it.) Toni definitely believes that character makes the man, and the athlete. He has said that, with Rafael, they chose to focus not on the talent, but on the hard work, because some days the talent abandons you, and that's where the hard work kicks in. I think he was saying as much when he said that Sascha seems to be unable to surmount the days when he's not playing his best. When he feels his talent abandons him, he has nowhere to go. That's a problem.

I think Toni was kind in his criticism. But pay attention when Toni says that Zverev should work on his "self-control." I'm sure he's not impressed by his outbursts. Not just talent, but strength of character makes a great player. Mental toughness comes from a deep, solid core. I'm sorry that Zverev is suffering such an existential crisis. He should look deep within himself to see if he can overcome it, and get what he wants from tennis.

Remember that outburst in Mexico when he lost it and ranted and carried on to the umpire and banged his racket on the bottom of the umpires chair? he got suspended from the tournament quite frankly he should have served more time off the tour, then he came on social media the next day and said he was sorry, the ATP as far as I am concerned were as 'weak as water' and let him continue to play his next tournament
Zverev is his 'own worst enemy' when he looks at himself and stops trying to blame everyone else and the kitchen sink for his short comings maybe he can get himself out of this depression he finds himself in..

 

[Moxie]

Remember that outburst in Mexico when he lost it and ranted and carried on to the umpire and banged his racket on the bottom of the umpires chair? he got suspended from the tournament quite frankly he should have served more time off the tour, then he came on social media the next day and said he was sorry, the ATP as far as I am concerned were as 'weak as water' and let him continue to play his next tournament
Zverev is his 'own worst enemy' when he looks at himself and stops trying to blame everyone else and the kitchen sink for his short comings maybe he can get himself out of this depression he finds himself in..

I remember all of his poor behavior. I hope he does, too. If he wants to save himself, he should listen to Toni, and examine his own character, dig deep, and decide what he really wants out of his career. If he wants to win a Major, he's going to have to really commit to that. If he can't do that, he should enjoy his millions and be happy with what life has given him. But the rubber has clearly hit the road, for him.

 

[El Dude]

Toni Nadal with some words of wisdom on Zverev's situation.

I thought this was particularly interesting:

The reasons for this have more to do with mental and emotional limitations than with any technical flaws in his tennis. As I’ve said and written on several occasions, the difference between Alexander, on the one hand, and Djokovic, Federer, or Rafael, on the other, doesn’t show when everyone is playing well — it shows when they’re playing badly.​

​

The problem for Sascha is when things just aren’t working out. That’s when he usually loses. The other three, on the other hand, would often still find a way to win. They accepted adversity better and were able to turn a bad day into a victory.​

Nothing hugely revelatory, but I think this is the key. Really good players are all...really good. Zverev has shown some pretty high level of tennis. The problem, as Toni said, is when he isn't playing well he sort of collapses and/or gives up...throws a tantrum. He doesn't dig deep.

And as Toni said a bit later, the emergence of Sincaraz has only increased his frustration. It is one thing to not be able to get past the greatest three players of the Open Era who will inevitably age out, it is quite another to be lapped by two younger guys.

 

[El Dude]

Interesting stat to consider: Alcaraz hasn't won a big title after Wimbledon since his first Slam at the US Open in 2022. That remains his only big title after Wimbledon.

I wouldn't say this is a huge concern...yet. If he doesn't win a big title this year, I think this goes from "something interesting to consider" to "hmm...what's going on?"

Anyhow, I think he's a good bet to win Canada or Cincinnati, so this might be a moot point in a few weeks.

 

[PhiEaglesfan712]

Interesting stat to consider: Alcaraz hasn't won a big title after Wimbledon since his first Slam at the US Open in 2022. That remains his only big title after Wimbledon.

I wouldn't say this is a huge concern...yet. If he doesn't win a big title this year, I think this goes from "something interesting to consider" to "hmm...what's going on?"

Anyhow, I think he's a good bet to win Canada or Cincinnati, so this might be a moot point in a few weeks.

It depends on how he does, especially at the US Open. I'll chalk up last year's performance at the US Open as an aberration, due to the Olympics. However, if he has another early exit at the US Open, then there's a valid concern about his post-summer struggle. That said, if he doesn't win any titles, but goes deep in tournaments (semifinals and finals) and makes a semifinal/final run at the US Open, then there's nothing really to be concerned about. And let's face it, anything after the US Open (except for the ATP Finals) is irrelevant.

The fall schedule for tennis doesn't attract US viewers. After the US Open, we are pretty much invested in the NFL. Tennis either needs to add some crown jewel events (I enjoyed Rome and the French Open in 2020 and Indian Wells in 2021) in the fall, or institute a playoff system like NASCAR or the FedEx Cup in golf.

 

[don_fabio]

Interesting stat to consider: Alcaraz hasn't won a big title after Wimbledon since his first Slam at the US Open in 2022. That remains his only big title after Wimbledon.

I wouldn't say this is a huge concern...yet. If he doesn't win a big title this year, I think this goes from "something interesting to consider" to "hmm...what's going on?"

Anyhow, I think he's a good bet to win Canada or Cincinnati, so this might be a moot point in a few weeks.

I have a feeling he will play good tennis this year during HC summer. Last year he was gassed after he won RG, Wimbledon and that loss in OG left him in tears. It took a toll on him all together.

He was pretty good the year he won USO '22 and '23 he played epic final with Novak in Cincinatti, then lost to Medvedev in SF of USO. Daniil played a great match there, but Carlos was still not mature enough in my opinion. He is handling it better now during the slams, at least it seems like that on natural surfaces.

He does need to improve in HCs (slams in particular) and there is no better motivation for him than to face Sinner across the net. For me is still a head scratcher why he has so poor results in AO, well poor for his standards.

 

[don_fabio]

Thanks for this article. It's not out of nowhere that Toni quotes great philosophers. He has always taken a deeply philosophical approach to coaching. (I actually have a little book called "Sirve Nadal, Responde Sócrates" from 2009, written by Toni, with the journalist Pere Mas, all about it.) Toni definitely believes that character makes the man, and the athlete. He has said that, with Rafael, they chose to focus not on the talent, but on the hard work, because some days the talent abandons you, and that's where the hard work kicks in. I think he was saying as much when he said that Sascha seems to be unable to surmount the days when he's not playing his best. When he feels his talent abandons him, he has nowhere to go. That's a problem.

I think Toni was kind in his criticism. But pay attention when Toni says that Zverev should work on his "self-control." I'm sure he's not impressed by his outbursts. Not just talent, but strength of character makes a great player. Mental toughness comes from a deep, solid core. I'm sorry that Zverev is suffering such an existential crisis. He should look deep within himself to see if he can overcome it, and get what he wants from tennis.

I will answer to you and @El Dude in a same post.

El Dude put a quote here from Toni which summs up all Zverev's problems. We discussed Zverev a lot on these threads and mostly all conclusions are similar. Zverev just doesn't have it in him, the inner champion he is trying to find for all these years. He can try to dig deep within himself and try to discover something new, it can't hurt. Something that would change him as a player, some new approach, but I doubt it. He doesn't seem to have mental capacity of the great players and ability to reset and find a way to win.

I would just add that he is too predictable as a player, he plays the same 2 shots from the baseline. It is very easy for an opponent to get used to it, no matter how good are your shots, there has to be some variety. Big3 were so good at that. Tennis is not just who can hit more shots, but outsmart your opponent, look for holes, choose to play particular shot at hard times of the match. I think that's what Zverev lacks. I will not even start with his net skills, but you get my point.

It's not like wasn't close to win a major, but a few years has passed since that horrible match against Thiem.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

I will answer to you and @El Dude in a same post.

El Dude put a quote here from Toni which summs up all Zverev's problems. We discussed Zverev a lot on these threads and mostly all conclusions are similar. Zverev just doesn't have it in him, the inner champion he is trying to find for all these years. He can try to dig deep within himself and try to discover something new, it can't hurt. Something that would change him as a player, some new approach, but I doubt it. He doesn't seem to have mental capacity of the great players and ability to reset and find a way to win.

I would just add that he is too predictable as a player, he plays the same 2 shots from the baseline. It is very easy for an opponent to get used to it, no matter how good are your shots, there has to be some variety. Big3 were so good at that. Tennis is not just who can hit more shots, but outsmart your opponent, look for holes, choose to play particular shot at hard times of the match. I think that's what Zverev lacks. I will not even start with his net skills, but you get my point.

It's not like wasn't close to win a major, but a few years has passed since that horrible match against Thiem.

Thanks Don you summed up Zverev's situation perfectly

Zverev has had some great coaches over the year,'s JCF, Lendl and Ferrer, surely those coaches would have implemented some new changes in his game, his game hasnt changed since he came on the tour, or maybe he is not willing to change.The top players are always 'tweating' their games.Zverev has been at Rafa's Academy doing a training block under the watchfull eye of Toni Nadal, there has been a lot of rumors saying Toni Nadal might come on board his coaching team as a consultant, remember he did the same with FAA, especially for the clay.
Personally and like a lot of posters at TF have said over the years 'Mentally' Zverev dosent have what it takes to win a GS title, these days our game is 80% mental and talent can only get you so far, without the desire, hunger and will to win in a match,win ugly if you have to, you are just not going to make it., let alone win a GS title.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

I have a feeling he will play good tennis this year during HC summer. Last year he was gassed after he won RG, Wimbledon and that loss in OG left him in tears. It took a toll on him all together.

He was pretty good the year he won USO '22 and '23 he played epic final with Novak in Cincinatti, then lost to Medvedev in SF of USO. Daniil played a great match there, but Carlos was still not mature enough in my opinion. He is handling it better now during the slams, at least it seems like that on natural surfaces.

He does need to improve in HCs (slams in particular) and there is no better motivation for him than to face Sinner across the net. For me is still a head scratcher why he has so poor results in AO, well poor for his standards.

Don,
I agree with your thoughts regarding Alcaraz results at the AO
In 2023 he had to withdraw after injuring his hamstring while practicing
In 2024 he made the QFs for the first time lost to Zverev in 4 sets
This year as far as I was concerned let Djokovic back in the match after winning the 1st set, he lost his focus, and was never able to recover, Djokovic won in 4 sets
AO is the first GS of the year and it is difficult for a lot of players competing to do their best, even if players do play a warm up tournament
The AO is a slow to medium paced court and I personally feel it suits Alcaraz game to a tee, his results have been sub par, though next year at the AO will be a great incentive for Alcaraz as he has a chance to complete his career slam.

 

[Moxie]

It depends on how he does, especially at the US Open. I'll chalk up last year's performance at the US Open as an aberration, due to the Olympics. However, if he has another early exit at the US Open, then there's a valid concern about his post-summer struggle. That said, if he doesn't win any titles, but goes deep in tournaments (semifinals and finals) and makes a semifinal/final run at the US Open, then there's nothing really to be concerned about. And let's face it, anything after the US Open (except for the ATP Finals) is irrelevant.

The fall schedule for tennis doesn't attract US viewers. After the US Open, we are pretty much invested in the NFL. Tennis either needs to add some crown jewel events (I enjoyed Rome and the French Open in 2020 and Indian Wells in 2021) in the fall, or institute a playoff system like NASCAR or the FedEx Cup in golf.

I think we all know by now how much you hate the fall schedule, after the US Open. But you can't really say that tennis doesn't attract viewers in the US because of the NFL. I mean, speak for yourself. But aside from Laver Cup, which this year is in San Francisco, and maybe some Davis Cup, it doesn't interfere with watching football. Much more to blame is the Asian swing, which means we watch tennis in the middle of the night, or in re-runs. The European tournaments are early for us, and don't interfere with football, if you really think that's an issue. I understand why the ATP and WTA want to court the Asian market, but we do still see some of those matches not so well-attended. There are a lot more Asian players than there used to be, so nice for them to get to play at home or nearer.

I'm not sure what you mean by a play-off system like NASCAR or golf. Care to explain?

 

[PhiEaglesfan712]

I'm not sure what you mean by a play-off system like NASCAR or golf. Care to explain?

Both sports have a regular season. For NASCAR, you need to be in the Top 16 (ranked by most wins, then points) in the first 26 races to qualify for the postseason. Then, there are cutoffs after race 29 (down to 12), race 32 (down to 8), and race 35 (down to 4) for the Championship. Similarly, in golf, you need to be ranked in the Top 70 to qualify for the postseason. Like NASCAR, there are progressive cutoffs, Top 50 after the first round, then Top 30 after the second round for the Tour Championship. In the FedEx Cup playoffs, more points are awarded for playoff events.

For more detailed information on the NASCAR playoffs: https://www.jayski.com/nascar-cup-series/2025-nascar-cup-series-playoffs/
For more detailed information on the FedEx Cup Championship: https://www.pgatour.com/fedexcup/overview

For tennis, I believe this could work with Top 32 after the US Open qualifying for the fall playoffs. (You don't make the cutoff, your season is over.) Then, cut to Top 16 after the Shanghai Masters, and Top 8 after the Paris Masters for the ATP Finals. This would ensure higher quality play during the fall, with the hottest players competing for a Championship, rather than those who compiled their points early in the season and coast to the ATP Finals.

 

[Moxie]

Speaking of these pointless, post-Wimbledon clay tournaments, Casper Ruud is playing Gstaad, in what seems like a loser move for a top guy. Rublev is playing Los Cabos, MX, but that's HC. Plus, now he's already in North America.

And speaking of losing, Ruud lost today to JM Cerundolo...not even The Dangerous one. On clay.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

And speaking of losing, Ruud lost today to JM Cerundolo...not even The Dangerous one. On clay.

J Cerundolo is the younger brother of the The Dangerous One, surprise that Ruud lost quite frankly

 

[Moxie]

J Cerundolo is the younger brother of the The Dangerous One, surprise that Ruud lost quite frankly

Yeah, I know. I was just trying to be funny.