Rafael Nadal opens academy in Mexico
Spaniard Rafael Nadal has opened his second tennis academy in Cancun, Mexico. The main aim of the "Rafa Nadal Tennis Center" is to promote Mexican talent.
by Nikolaus Fink
last edit: Feb 20, 2019, 02:38 pm
Nadal opened his first academy in Manacor in 2016. In the "Rafa Nadal Academy" the best youngsters in the country are to be promoted, and the academy also serves as an eleven-time French Open Champion from time to time as a training opportunity.
While there are 26 places available in Mallorca, there are "only" eight in Cancun. Until now. Joel Figueras, coordinator of the Nadal academies, believes that the facility will be enlarged: "Maybe we will have hard courts here in a few years," the 54-year-old told the tennis magazine . At least the hotel will be expanded in the future.
But the Spaniard's main concern is to advance tennis in Mexico. The country's most successful player to date is Rafael Osuna, who won the US Open in 1963 and even topped the world rankings in the same year. For some years now, the North Americans have been lagging behind in tennis. For women, Renata Zarazua is ranked 239 in the highest ranked player, the best man in the country - Manuel Sanchez - is only ranked 478 in the world rankings.
One of the goals is to contribute to the development of tennis in Mexico.
Rafael Nadal
"One of the medium and long-term goals is to contribute to the development of tennis in Mexico," said Nadal at the opening. "We came here for many years and know the area," said the 32-year-old, who will be in Acapulco next week.
Nadal plans further academy in Greece
In addition to the eight clay courts, a paddle court, a fitness studio and various sports shops are also available in Cancun. In addition, as in Mallorca, there is a museum that shows the Spaniard's greatest successes. "Nadal loves sports. He will always be connected to tennis, but one thing is certain: he also sees the business," Figueras emphasizes.
That is what the world number two sees at his third academy. Nadal plans to open another "Rafa Nadal Tennis Center" in Greece in April. "This strengthens the expansion of our academies. I am very grateful to the" Sani Resort "," said the Mallorcan. It can be assumed that it will not be the Spaniard's last academy.