Rafael Nadal Trades His Love for Tennis as the Spanish Legend Tries His Hand at a New Sport After Retirement

“I like being active and doing things; now is the time to organize my next chapter.” These words of Rafael Nadal don’t give the impression that he is missing tennis too much post-retirement. The 22-time Grand Slam champion said goodbye to tennis at the Davis Cup Finals last year, and by his own admission, he has not picked up the racket ever since. But is that entirely true? Well, the Spanish maestro might not have picked up the tennis racket, but he is trying his hand at padel.

In 2021, when asked about padel’s growing prominence, Nadal wasn’t reluctant to admit it at all. During an interview with Padel Magazine, the Spaniard said, “I like sport in general. I play golf. I think I’ll grab a padel racket, why not? I am sure that in the future I will have more time to enjoy other sports. Padel is growing, and I think it will be fun because it’s easier to play.”

True to his word, on March 4, Nadal was seen at his Academy engaging in a thrilling game of padel. And, watching his swift movements and techniques, it seems he is capable of dominating this racket sport, too.

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Nadal’s interest in padel is evident by the arrangements at Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca, Spain. The academy includes 12 padel courts alongside tennis courts, promoting the sport among young athletes and enthusiasts. Even before his retirement, Rafa was once spotted playing padel at his academy in 2024.

Padel has gained immense popularity in Spain, surpassing tennis and becoming the second most popular sport after soccer. A new Rafa Nadal Academy in Marbella is all set to include 2 padel courts as part of its comprehensive sports complex. Let’s find out more about this new academy!

Rafael Nadal set to strengthen tennis roots in Spain

Rafael Nadal is ready to expand his Academy to different locations in a bid to produce tennis stars like himself. Apart from maintaining a world-class Academy in his hometown Mallorca, the former World number 1 has already established his academy in Mexico, Greece, and Hong Kong. And now, he wants to open another facility in Marbella, Spain, in July 2025.

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This new facility will be situated at the Don Carlos Hotel. It will have 7 clay courts, 2 padel courts with ocean views, and a Babolat and Nike clothing and accessory shop, which have been Nadal’s longtime sponsors. Adding a personal touch, it will also house a small exhibition displaying some of the prestigious trophies won by the 22-time Grand Slam champion in his career.

Talking about the expansion, Nadal said, “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. I’m sure fans of the sport will really enjoy our courses and these wonderful facilities.”

Nadal’s contribution to Spain hasn’t gone unnoticed as he was recently given the ‘Corazón de España’ (Heart of Spain) award by the Spanish NOC president Alejandro Blanco. The 38-year-old was also gifted a special canvas depicting his triumphant gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

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With his academy’s expansion and newfound love for padel, Nadal is proving that his passion for sports goes beyond just tennis. Even in retirement, he continues to leave his mark.

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