Toni Nadal has reignited a long-running debate about the director of modern tennis. The famous coach suggested that the sport may need to slow down to protect players and restore tactical variety while reducing the power.
Toni proposed several reforms, including smaller rackets to naturally reduce ball speed and slower courts to make rallies more strategic rather than explosive. Ever-increasing intensity has pushed athletes to their physical limits and contributed to injuries.
While understanding Nadal, world no. 1 Carlos Alcaraz respectfully disagrees. The world's best players responded to Toni's ideas with a firm message, proclaiming tennis can not move backwards!
Carlos wins an ABSURD point against Tomas Machac at the Davis Cup.
Incredible shot from Tomas that barely goes over the net.
Carlos responds with a ridiculous drop volley of his own.
Lightning speed + baby soft hands = Carlitos. 🤯
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 11, 2024
For Alcaraz, the sport's evolution from wooden rackets to graphite frames and modern speed-friendly designs is a natural and irreversible process. Undoing that progress would feel like reverting to a past that no longer fits the realities of the modern game.
For Carlos, today's speed and power are not an anomaly but a continuation of a long-established trend. Even during Rafa Nadal's era, the one Toni remembers better than anyone, we already witnessed significantly faster game than in previous generations.
Today's athleticism and technology have pushed the progress even further. The six-time Major winner rejects stories of slowing the game down, highlighting players who have to adapt physically, evolve strategically and meet the sport where it is now.
Carlos Alcaraz, Roland Garros 2025© Stream screenshot
World no. 1 understands the famous coach's concerns while stating that embracing the current pace is essential for our sport and it's identity. Thus, Carlos sees no reason to revert to older equipment or fundamentally alter court conditions.
Toni Nadal calls for longevity, preservation and careful recaliberation, while Alcaraz hails evolution, natural progress and athleticism. It's safe to say that tennis evolution will not stop now or anywhere in the future.
Carlos Alcaraz, Roland Garros 2025© Stream screenshot
"It would be like taking a step backwards. Tennis started with wooden rackets, then moved to metal and aluminum ones. Now we have other types of rackets that allow for more spin. Before, we played flatter shots, with more chop and less speed.
Over the years, in Rafa's time, we were already playing with more speed than before, and now even more so. We can not go against evolution. We have to be physically prepared for the speed at which we play.
I would say that I do not agree with Toni's idea," Carlos Alcaraz said.
