Latest news with #RafaNadalAcademy
GMA Network
5 hours ago
- Sport
- GMA Network
Alex Eala back in Rafa Nadal Academy ahead of US Open stint
Alex Eala has returned to familiar grounds at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Spain, sharpening her game on the hard courts in preparation for her upcoming campaign at the US Open later this month. The 20-year-old Filipina tennis star hasn't seen action since July 28 or when she absorbed a 3-6, 6-1, 6-2 loss to Czech Republic's Marketa Vondrousova in the Canadian Open. After that tournament, Eala had to withdraw from the Cincinnati Open due to a shoulder injury, which also forced her to miss the Montreal Open as well. ?But Eala appears to be recovering well, already back to her training routine as shown in videos shared by the Rafa Nadal Academy on Monday. The development came just days after Eala dropped to no. 68 in the world rankings. She reached a career-high of no. 56 back in June. Barring any injuries, Eala is expected to compete in the Monterrey Open in Mexico before the US Open, which begins on August 24. READ MORE | What's next for Alex Eala after Wimbledon? —Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA Integrated News
New Indian Express
31-07-2025
- Sport
- New Indian Express
Tennis was not love at first sight: Teen star Maaya's journey from Coimbatore to Mallorca
If she wasn't watching tennis, father and daughter used to play junior state level non-ranking tournaments. "Those were fun times," she says. "They used to be one-day non-ranking meets. I used to play as many as 5-6 matches any given day." As she progressed, she left local tournaments in the rearview mirror. More national level events started occupying her calendar and an ever expanding trophy cabinet at home was a clear indicator of her talents. In 2023, she went a step further as she enjoyed an 83% win record on the junior circuit. Still training in India, the beginning of 2024 was going to be pivotal for several reasons. Having decided to turn pro, this year would mark her first taste of the big time. More importantly, she wanted to start training in Europe. By her own accounts, 'last year wasn't good' but it was still a landmark year as she earned a full scholarship to train in the Rafa Nadal Academy at Mallorca. "I have been at the Nadal Academy since October 2024," the 16-year-old says. "From May to June, we were looking for a base in Europe as my coach had felt it would be better to go out. I was actually training in Valencia... the invitation from the Nadal Academy was very unexpected. I was happy and they were happy to take me in. "It's been great, the first few days were a bit overwhelming. I saw Rafa within a week of joining the Academy and that was the week before the Davis Cup where he was retiring. For him to come and watch me play was unexpected. I had a bit of nerves at the start. He was friendly, very approachable and a very down to earth person." Her first full conversation with the 22-time Major winner happened post her Mumbai WTA 125 run, 'just after I had joined school there'. "He asked me 'how the tournament was and how was school'. He also spoke to my coach."
Qatar Tribune
24-07-2025
- Sport
- Qatar Tribune
Toni Nadal says no to coaching Zverev: Report
DPA Berlin Rafael Nadal's uncle Toni will not become Alexander Zverev's new coach, according to German magazine Sport Bild. Toni Nadal reportedly declined the offer from the German player due to time constraints. As he manages a tennis academy in Mallorca, serves as the director of the tournament on the Spanish island, and gives lectures, he cannot accompany Zverev on a regular basis. The world number three, who was eliminated in the first round of Wimbledon, had recently been training at the academy. Additionally, reports suggested that Rafael Nadal, the long-time world number one, could act as an adviser. In a video released by the Rafa Nadal Academy on Tuesday, Zverev did not comment on the coaching question but praised the duo. At the Masters tournament in Toronto, which begins on Sunday, Zverev is seeded number one following the withdrawal of several top players. Tsitsipas parts ways with coach Ivanisevic Stefanos Tsitsipas has parted ways with coach Goran Ivanisevic after just a few months of working together. In a post on Instagram, the Greek 26-year-old called the partnership a 'brief but intense experience.' He said: 'Working with Goran Ivanisevic was a brief but intense experience and a truly valuable chapter in my journey. 'I'm thankful for the time, effort, and energy he dedicated to me and my team. As we are now following our separate ways, I have only respect for Goran - not just for what he's achieved in tennis, but also for who he is as a person.'
Time of India
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal team up, throw a challenge: 'Anyone Ready...?'
Rafael Nadal (left) and Roger Federer (Instagram) Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, known for their epic battles on the tennis court, took their legendary rivalry to a new arena on Sunday. The duo swapped the tennis court for the golf course. The two icons traded racquets for clubs at the scenic Pula Golf Resort in Mallorca, enjoying a light-hearted round under the sun. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! While Nadal holds a 24-16 edge in their Lexus ATP Head-to-Head record, their match this time was all about fun and friendship. The longtime rivals shared laughs and relaxed swings, embracing the change of pace with smiles and camaraderie. Last week, Roger was spotted visiting Nadal's Academy in Manacor along with his wife Mirka and the rest of his family. This visit testifies to the sincere friendship between these two legends of modern sport, who have cultivated an excellent relationship even off the court. Nadal, a seasoned golfer with a single-digit handicap, appeared right at home on the fairways. Federer, cool and composed as ever, looked just as sharp—confidently reading the greens and lining up his putts like a seasoned pro. Their golf day followed Federer's surprise appearance at the Rafa Nadal Academy — the latest stop in what fans are calling the 'Big 3 Summer Tour.' Just days earlier, Federer was spotted courtside at Wimbledon supporting Novak Djokovic, and in May, he joined both Djokovic and Andy Murray at Roland Garros for Nadal's special farewell tribute. Federer, a six-time Nitto ATP Finals champion, wrapped up his career with a 1251-275 win-loss record. Nadal, the King of Clay and 14-time Roland Garros champion, boasts a 1080-228 record — numbers as iconic as the friendship they now share. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
The Hindu
20-07-2025
- Sport
- The Hindu
First time is always important: Maaya Rajeshwaran cherishes Wimbledon memories
For a developing tennis player, competing in junior Grand Slams is an important experience. Not only do they get to rub shoulders with the best upcoming talents from around the world, but it also provides the vantage point of the top seniors going through their routines before stepping onto the court and fighting for Majors, the ultimate prize in the sport. Maaya Rajeshwaran Revathi, a hard-working 16-year-old who hails from Coimbatore, has had the opportunity to play at all three Juniors Slams this year so far - the Australian Open, the French Open, and most recently, Wimbledon. While the first two are played on surfaces she's familiar with - hard and clay, respectively - the lead-up to the grass Major was different. Maaya has been training at the prestigious Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca, Spain, since February. However, the academy doesn't have a grass court. Fresh off her title-winning run on clay at a J200 event in Germany in June, Maaya had to quickly adjust to a surface she had never played on. 'When I went there, I felt like I was playing in a garden. It didn't feel like I was playing on a tennis court,' says Maaya, remembering her first grasscourt experience in Roehampton, where she played a J300 tune-up event a week after Germany. Junior Wimbledon qualifiers took place at the same venue. The Indian, currently World No. 55, has been making steady progress in terms of rankings and is very close to the point where she can directly qualify for the main draw at Junior Slams. At Wimbledon, she was the top seed in the qualifiers. After a massive come-from-behind win over China's Shiyu Ye, Maaya went down to Spain's Eugenia Zozaya Menendez in the match tiebreak in the final round. It was still an improvement, as in Melbourne, she didn't even get past the first hurdle in qualifiers. In Paris, she may have had a better chance, but visa issues meant that she reached the venue barely four hours before her match and suffered another first-round defeat at the same stage. 'Roland Garros was a disaster. I had to fly from India because of visa problems. I couldn't practice in Mumbai because of rainfall. I couldn't even play the pre-event. A few problems here and there, but yes, at every tournament, there's a lesson learned,' says Maaya, summing up her Paris experience. Wimbledon wasn't just a bit better for her in terms of her own matches. There were other benefits too. 'When I went into Wimbledon Park, they have an area where the pros and the juniors warm up together. I didn't hit with anyone but almost saw all the professional players going through their routines,' recalls Maaya. ALSO READ: Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen undergoes elbow surgery 'I saw a lot of matches. There was one player from the academy, an Argentinian (Solana Sierra) I trained with, who got into the main draw as a lucky loser and made the fourth round in the senior draw. 'Wimbledon was a very good experience, and it gave me lots of memories that I will carry for a lifetime because the first time is always important. Earlier, I thought I wouldn't be a good player on grass. But, overall, a few corrections here and there, and I should be good.' While her focus shifts towards preparing for the Junior US Open, Maaya is aware of two big opportunities which may arise in the near future. The country is set to host the WTA 250 Chennai Open, its first-ever Tour-level women's event in three years, from October 27 to November 2. On the sidelines of a recent press conference, Tamil Nadu Tennis Association President and Indian tennis legend Vijay Amritraj hinted that the teenager might be awarded a main-draw wildcard. If it does happen, it would be tough to question the decision, courtesy of Maaya's stunning run as a qualifier at the WTA 125 Mumbai Open earlier this year. Not only did she become the youngest Indian to earn a WTA point, but she also went on to defeat multiple seasoned players before her loss in the semifinals. 'I hope that I get a wildcard. It's in Chennai. It's my home state. If I get a wildcard, it's the best reason for me to come back home as well. Playing in front of the Indian crowd is very exciting because I've done well in the past, and they give me a lot of support,' says Maaya. Maaya was also a reserve member when the Indian team won the regional competition in Pune in April to qualify for the Billie Jean King Cup Playoffs for only the second time in history. The playoffs, in which India faces the Netherlands and Slovenia, are going to be held at the SM Krishna Tennis Stadium in Bengaluru from November 14 to 16, and captain Vishal Uppal might be tempted to include the talented teenager in the main squad. Related Topics Maaya Rajeshwaran
