Rafa Nadal Academy

The 2020-21 school year starts at the Rafa Nadal Academy with Rafa and Toni Nadal in charge. Talks with coaches, the players’ first training, and classes in school. It is the first day in Manacor for the Spanish champion Ariana Geerlings and the last year for two of the best juniors in the world: Dani Rincón and Abedallah Shelbayh, roommates and rivals on the court.

Ten days away from Roland-Garros, Alex Eala, a player with a very bright future in international tennis, is having trouble competing comfortably. At the Academy, Max Basing is taking his first steps towards obtaining a scholarship that will allow him to keep playing tennis in the United States. Meanwhile, in Portugal, Dani and Abedallah face each other for the first title after lockdown.

Why do Naomi Osaka, Caroline García, Grigor Dimitrov, Diego Schwartzman, all choose the Rafa Nadal Academy to train throughout the year? Casper Ruud, ATP Top 20, is an example of the answer. His work in Manacor has made him move up over 100 positions in the ranking. At the Academy, Emma Stauber is fighting to feel like a tennis player again after going through four wrist surgeries.

The school year comes to an end with Max Basing and Emma Stauber fighting for a scholarship in the United States. After trying several times, Dani is looking to win his first points as a professional at the Rafa Nadal Academy ITF. He will do so with the help of his friend, Abedallah Shelbayh.