Rafael Nadal, the tennis titan with 22 Grand Slam titles to his name, has hung up his professional racket, but his love for sports remains undimmed. Since retiring at the Davis Cup 2024 Final 8, Nadal has been noticeably absent from the tennis court. However, his passion for sports hasn’t waned, as evidenced by his new venture into an entirely different racket sport – padel.
In a conversation with Padel Magazine back in 2021, Nadal’s interest in various sports was evident. The former World number 1 expressed his fondness for golf and hinted at the possibility of picking up a padel racket. “Padel is growing, and I think it will be fun because it’s easier to play,” he had stated.
True to his words, Nadal has been spotted engaging in the fast-paced sport at his very own Rafa Nadal Academy. On March 4, he was seen playing padel, showing off his skills and agility that made him a legend in tennis. His involvement with padel doesn’t stop at personal participation. His academy in Mallorca, Spain, houses 12 padel courts, encouraging young athletes and sports enthusiasts to take up the increasingly popular sport.
The popularity of padel, especially in Spain, has skyrocketed, ranking it as the second most popular sport in the country, right after football and surpassing tennis. This surge in popularity has prompted Nadal to incorporate padel courts in his new Rafa Nadal Academy in Marbella, Spain, which is set to open in July 2025.
The new academy will be located at the prestigious Don Carlos Hotel, boasting seven clay courts, two padel courts with scenic ocean views, and a shop for Babolat and Nike clothing and accessories, both of which have been Nadal’s sponsors throughout his career. The facility will also feature an exhibition showcasing some of the most coveted trophies won by the tennis titan.
Discussing the expansion of his academies, Nadal expressed his excitement, “I’m very happy that we’re officially announcing the birth of a new Rafa Nadal Tennis Center in Marbella, as it also consolidates the project for the expansion of our methodology within Spain.”
Rafael Nadal’s contributions to Spanish sports have left a deep impact. His efforts were recently recognized as he was awarded the ‘Corazón de España’ (Heart of Spain) by the Spanish NOC president Alejandro Blanco. Alongside this honor, Nadal was presented with a unique canvas depicting his victorious 2016 Rio Olympic gold medal moment, signed by the sporting community.
Rafael Nadal’s transition into padel and expansion of his academies are a testament to his enduring passion for sports. His legacy continues to inspire, proving that his influence extends beyond the tennis court and into the broader sports world.
