Wimbledon Watch: Alcaraz the “Man to Beat,” Says Nadal’s Ex-Coach

As Wimbledon 2025 commences, the question on everyone’s mind is: Who will emerge victorious? Among the top contenders are Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Novak Djokovic. Rafael Nadal’s former coach, Toni Nadal, has weighed in on the matter, offering his expert perspective on who is the “man to beat” at this year’s championships.

Toni Nadal’s Assessment: Alcaraz Favored, Sinner Doubted, Djokovic Still a Threat

Toni Nadal, who guided his nephew Rafael to 16 Grand Slam titles, believes Carlos Alcaraz is the frontrunner to retain his Wimbledon title. He expresses some reservations about Jannik Sinner’s chances, while acknowledging Novak Djokovic as a potential challenger.

Alcaraz: The Complete Package for Wimbledon Success

According to Toni Nadal, Alcaraz’s style of play is ideally suited for the grass courts of Wimbledon. He highlights Alcaraz’s confidence and morale, boosted by his recent comeback victory at the French Open and his triumph at Queen’s Club. “Honestly, I believe that under normal conditions, very few opponents have the ability to unsettle Carlos,” Nadal stated in his column for El Pais. Alcaraz is aiming for his third consecutive Wimbledon title after defeating Djokovic in the last two finals. The 22-year-old Spaniard already has five Grand Slam titles to his name.

Sinner: Lingering Effects of the French Open?

While acknowledging Sinner’s talent, Toni Nadal suggests that the Italian might be affected by his recent defeat to Alcaraz in the French Open final. Nadal believes the loss, where Sinner couldn’t maintain his composure in the crucial moments, could leave a mental scar. “It is difficult for Sinner not to recall this recent bitter memory,” Nadal wrote. However, he doesn’t completely rule out Sinner, recognizing his potential to bring out his best game. Sinner was the last man to beat Alcaraz at Wimbledon in 2022.

Djokovic: An “Indefatigable Fighter” Despite Recent Downturn

Toni Nadal still considers Novak Djokovic a formidable opponent, despite the Serbian’s recent drop in form. He acknowledges Djokovic’s impressive record at Wimbledon, where he has won seven titles. “Although it is evident that Novak is far from his best level today, I think if he manages to get through rounds he could be the second contender with more chances for the title,” Nadal explained. Nadal lauded Djokovic as an “indefatigable fighter” and hasn’t dismissed his ability to emerge victorious, even at 38.

The Alcaraz-Sinner Rivalry: A New Era in Men’s Tennis

The emerging rivalry between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner has captivated the tennis world. Their recent five-set thriller at the French Open, won by Alcaraz, is seen as a sign of great things to come. Roger Federer himself praised both players and the sport after their Roland Garros final. Alcaraz holds a 8-4 head-to-head record against Sinner.

Contrasting Styles, Mutual Respect

Alcaraz and Sinner have contrasting playing styles that make their encounters compelling. Sinner describes Alcaraz as the player who “brings the firepower, the hotshots, he involves the crowd,” while he sees himself as “more the solid player, quite calm”. Despite their differences on the court, they share a genuine admiration and respect for each other.

Djokovic’s Former Coach Still Believes in Him

Novak Djokovic’s former coach, Goran Ivanisevic, maintains that the Serbian is still the best player in the world when he is motivated. Ivanisevic, who helped Djokovic win nine Grand Slam titles, believes that Djokovic can still win major tournaments if he is focused and determined.

Other Contenders and Ones to Watch

While Alcaraz, Sinner, and Djokovic are the leading contenders, other players could potentially challenge for the Wimbledon title. From a British perspective, Jack Draper enters Wimbledon at a career-high of No. 4 in the world.

Conclusion: Alcaraz the Clear Favorite

According to Toni Nadal and many others, Carlos Alcaraz is the favorite to win Wimbledon 2025. His confidence, recent successes, and playing style make him a formidable opponent on grass. However, Sinner and Djokovic remain significant threats, and the tournament promises to deliver exciting matches and unforgettable moments.