Rafael Nadal’s tennis academy in chaos as floods wreck havoc to courts | Tennis | Sport
Parts of Rafael Nadal’s Tennis Academy have been left underwater following a storm that hit the Balearic Islands overnight on Monday.
The severe storm brought intense rainfall and blustery conditions to Mallorca, which is where the tennis complex is located.
Opened in 2016, the Academy is revered for its cutting-edge tennis programmes delivered to the next generation of tennis stars from Majorca.
But in the wake of the storm, photos shared show several tennis courts flooded, with a major clean-up operation ahead.
An update shared by the official X account for the Academy read: “Thank you all very much for your messages of love after the huge [rain emoji] .
“The important thing is that we are all well and working to get back to normal life at the academy as soon as possible. Thanks to @BombersdeMca [the island’s fire service] and the maintenance teams for your effort!”
It isn’t the first time the Rafa Nadal Academy or the island have suffered weather damage. In 2018, Nadal was part of the clean-up operation after severe flooding swept across Mallorca.
The 22-time Grand Slam winner also opened up the Academy as a temporary shelter for those without accommodation during the storms.
Speaking at the time, Nadal posted: “Sad day in Majorca. My sincere condolences to the relatives of the deceased and injured by the severe floods in Sant Llorenc.
“As we did yesterday we offer today the facilities of @rnadalacademy for all those who need accommodation.”
The now 38-year-old, along with the Academy’s staff, will likely have a hefty task to clear the aftermath of Monday’s storm, which could come at considerable expense.
It comes at a busy time for Nadal, who is gearing up for his retirement from tennis at the end of the year.
Nadal’s final match as a tennis player is expected to come next month when he takes to the court for the Davis Cup Finals.
Who his final opponent will be isn’t yet known, with the Spanish side drawn against the Netherlands for their quarter-final clash.
The winner of that tie will advance to a semi-final meeting against either Germany or Canada.
Should the King of Clay and his Spanish counterparts make it beyond that, Nadal’s final outing as a pro could come against tennis stars from one of Italy, Argentina, Australia or the United States.
Action at the 2024 Davis Cup Finals gets underway in Malaga on November 21.
