Nadal returns to the courts with humor: "It's a unique day... because of how bad I look!"

Fernando Murciego - 3 Oct 2026 | 18:00
ATP Rafa Nadal Academy Rafael Nadal

The 22-time Grand Slam champion returned to the courts this Saturday at the Rafa Nadal Academy Slam celebration, where he evaluated his fitness level and congratulated his team for these ten years of effort in Manacor.

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Nadal returns to the courts with humor: "It's a unique day... because of how bad I look." Source: RNA

Rafa Nadal returned this Saturday to pick up a racket in Manacor for the tenth anniversary of the Rafa Nadal Academy. The Mallorca native is currently participating in a very special day alongside several legends of the circuit, and after teaming up with David Ferrer and losing to Dominic Thiem and Andy Murray, he spoke to Àlex Corretja on Movistar Plus to share his feelings on a day filled with symbolism.

“It is a unique day, without a doubt… because of how badly I look!” Nadal joked after his first doubles match. A phrase that sums up the relaxed nature of a day where the result was secondary, and the real star was the project that the Spaniard began to build long before the Academy officially opened its doors.

“Beyond that, it is a very beautiful day, especially for all the people who wanted to come and be with us on this wonderful day for all of us. This Academy opened 10 years ago, but the reality is that it started many years earlier with great doses of enthusiasm,” explained the former tennis player.

Rafa Nadal, proud to celebrate ten years with his Academy

Nadal wanted to focus on all the people who have made it possible for the project to become a reference within the world of tennis. “In the end, I believe it has created a sports destination for tennis that did not exist, so for us, it is a great satisfaction. There are many people who have worked hard to make this a reality, so today is a very important day for the whole team,” added the man who retired a couple of seasons ago.

The Mallorca native also recalled everything achieved during this first decade and wanted to share the credit with those who work daily in Manacor: “Ten years, after all the successes that have been achieved during this time, is the result of the hard work of many people. Many workers strive here every day to ensure that all of this moves forward,” emphasized the 40-year-old former player.

Finally, Nadal acknowledged the emotion of playing again in front of his people and doing so precisely in the facilities that bear his name: “The reality is that thanks to all of them, today we celebrate this day, proud of everything that has been built. Personally, having the opportunity to play here in front of all these people makes me very excited, even if it is in the condition I am in,” he concluded with his usual sense of humor.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Nadal vuelve a las pistas tirando de humor: "Es un día único... ¡por lo mal que me veo!"