“I like being active and doing things; now is the time to organise my next chapter. At the moment, I’ve adapted well. I’m playing a bit of football, but I haven’t picked up a racket since!” This is what Rafael Nadal said about his life post-retirement. The 22-time Grand Slam champion said goodbye to tennis at the Davis Cup 2024 Final 8. He has not looked back since. Though the Spaniard has said that he has not picked up a racket since, it’s not necessarily true. He has picked up a racket, just not the tennis racket. Looks like Nadal is now trying his hand at padel.
In 2021, when asked about the racket sport that has been gaining prominence, he wasn’t reluctant 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, Rafael Nadal was seen at the Rafa Nadal Academy engaging in a thrilling game of padel. Watching his swift movements and techniques, it looks like he is capable of domination in this racket sport, too. Nadal’s connection to padel is evident through his 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, he was once spotted playing padel there in 2024 as well.
Even in Padel, Rafael Nadal looks solid pic.twitter.com/GP75x3pQYZ
— Olly Tennis (@Olly_Tennis_) March 4, 2025
Padel has gained immense popularity in Spain, becoming the second most popular sport after football, surpassing tennis. A new Rafa Nadal Academy in Marbella, Spain, is all set to include 2 padel courts as part of its comprehensive sports complex.
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 him. The Spaniard has already established his academy in Mexico, Greece, and Hong Kong. He started with opening his first Academy in his hometown Mallorca. Now, the former World number 1 wants to open another facility in Marbella, Spain, in July 2025.
The 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, he 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 Spanish NOC president Alejandro Blanco. The Spanish tennis star was also gifted a special canvas depicting his triumphant gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics. It was signed by the sporting community, making it extra special.
With his academy 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.
The post Rafael Nadal Trades His Love for Tennis as the Spanish Legend Tries His Hand at a New Sport After Retirement appeared first on EssentiallySports.
