Rafael Nadal spends fun day coaching children at his academy

Rafael Nadal is seemingly making the most of his French Open 2023 absence. The Spaniard, who has founded his own tennis academy as well as a school in his hometown of Mallorca, recently spent a day training and interacting with his young students.

The Rafa Nadal International School, which is a part of the 22-time Grand Slam champion’s tennis academy, celebrated its School Sports Day on Friday, May 26. The tennis legend was present to mark the occasion this time around, having announced that he wouldn’t be in Paris for this year’s French Open.

Nadal looked in good spirits as he spent time assisting the little ones personally, who seemed elated by his presence.

Tennis commentator and former player Mark Petchey was at the academy grounds to witness Rafael Nadal’s interaction with the young hopefuls. He shared a few videos from the day, stating that he was checking off a bucket list item by visiting the former World No. 1's tennis academy.

“Tennis bucket list item about to be ticked off. He may not be playing but he is about to coach….” Petchey said.

Petchey also shared a video of Rafael Nadal being greeted with thunderous applause upon arrival.

“Enter the legend,” he said.

He remarked that the children wouldn’t be too sad about the tennis legend’s French Open absence, thanks to his special appearance and assistance.

“This kid isn’t going to mind @RafaelNadal missing practice week for @rolandgarros,” he noted.

The Spaniard’s academy too shared a few joyous highlights from the day.

Mark Petchey also visited the Rafa Nadal museum, which displays the Spaniard’s vast list of achievements.

“Blood, sweat, tears but ultimately cheers,” Petchey said, acknowledging the 22-time Grand Slam champion’s illustrious career.

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"They have been difficult years; the victories mask it" – Rafael Nadal on his physical struggles in recent years

The Spniard at the 2023 Australian Open

Rafael Nadal had a long injury break in 2021, after his semifinal loss at that year’s French Open. The Spaniard had revealed then that a persistent foot injury was preventing him from playing his best tennis, forcing him to cut his season short.

Nadal came through with flying colors upon his return in 2022. He bagged three back-to-back titles, including a historic 21st Grand Slam at the Australian Open. He then extended his Slam tally to 22 at the French Open.

Things, however, started to fall apart for the Spaniard in the second half of the season. Nadal had a poor win-loss ratio after the French Open and contested fewer tournaments due to numerous injuries, including a stress fracture in his rib.

In a recent press conference, Rafael Nadal admitted that the past few years have been physically taxing for him despite the favorable results he has earned.

"In recent years, although the results have been of my first level, my day-to-day life has been at a very low level. The years after the pandemic have been very difficult," he said. "They have been difficult years although the victories mask it."

The 36-year-old's 2023 season has been dispiriting, as he suffered a second-round exit at the Australian Open. He also suffered a hip injury during his loss and hasn’t played a competitive match since.

Nadal recently announced that he would be taking a few months off to recuperate and also hinted that 2024 is likely to be the final competitive season of his career.