The Wimbledon final between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner left a bittersweet feeling in the Spanish tennis world. Although the Murcian arrived as the favorite, he couldn't overcome the Italian, something he himself acknowledged after the match. However, what nobody expected was that a figure so closely linked to Rafa Nadal, his uncle and former coach Toni Nadal, would speak out so clearly about Alcaraz's performance.
In a column published in El País, Toni surprised everyone by offering a technical and emotional analysis of Alcaraz's game. His words, direct and full of nuance, have caused an unexpected stir. What exactly did Rafa Nadal's uncle say? Why did it cause such a commotion?
Rafa Nadal's family break their silence with a reflection on Carlos Alcaraz's game
Carlos Alcaraz reached the Wimbledon final aiming to reaffirm his dominance on grass. After an impeccable run, the battle against Jannik Sinner was not only a challenge but also a test of maturity against a rival who has proven to be his greatest obstacle.
Meanwhile, Nadal's family have closely followed the young Murcian's progress. Especially Toni, who for years has served as an authoritative voice in tennis analysis in Spain. What had previously been measured praise has now become a forceful assessment.
In his article titled "Alcaraz Lacked Variety, Sinner Has Rhythm to Spare," Toni Nadal doesn't mince words. From the very first line, he distances himself from the widespread euphoria that usually surrounds Alcaraz and presents a much more critical view.
"It wasn't the spectacle we're used to from these tennis players," he begins. With these words, he makes it clear that, in his opinion, the match fell short of expectations.
This statement carries weight coming from the man who for years was the architect of Rafa Nadal's tennis. "He lowered his intensity a bit, showed a more intermittent and erratic game and gradually lost faith in his chances of victory," he added. The verdict leaves no room for doubt: for Toni, Alcaraz's mind failed him as much as his strategy did.
Toni Nadal doesn't hold back when assessing Carlos Alcaraz's mistakes in the Wimbledon final
Toni Nadal went further and offered an example that, in his view, should have served as a guide for Alcaraz. He refers to the quarterfinal match between Grigor Dimitrov and Jannik Sinner. In that match, the Bulgarian dominated clearly during the first two sets until an injury forced him to withdraw.
"I think the Murcian should've tried to vary his game a bit more and follow Grigor Dimitrov's example. In his round of 16 match, he constantly managed to break his rival's momentum, winning the first two sets," Toni states. With these words, he not only draws a tactical parallel but also sends a long-term message: to overcome Sinner, talent alone isn't enough.
This type of analysis isn't common in such a respectful environment as Spanish tennis. That it also comes from someone so close to the Nadal circle makes the reflection a clear sign that more is expected from Alcaraz.
Although Toni Nadal never questions Carlos Alcaraz's talent, his analysis is full of subtle warnings. He speaks of intensity, faith, and tactical decisions—elements that, when missing, make the difference in a final like Wimbledon. Coming from the man who shaped the mentality of one of the most successful tennis players of all time, his words carry weight.
Toni Nadal's words have shaken the tennis scene, putting Carlos Alcaraz at the center of attention. The criticism, constructive but direct, points to a level of demand that not everyone is prepared to withstand. The future will tell if the Murcian takes note and turns this defeat into a tool for his definitive consolidation.