Rafael Nadal Addresses Rafa Nadal Academy Graduates

In an emotional ceremony, a total of 52 young students graduated from the Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar, bringing an end to their academic and tennis education on the campus in Manacor. As is now tradition, Rafa Nadal presided the ceremony and spoke to the families, the teachers and the young students with an inspiring message:

“A few months ago I had the chance to visit the Italian Dolomites in the company of mu friend and rival Roger Federer and there, in the mountains, we had a very interesting conversation about a word that I think is very important: Legacy.

“Both Roger and I agree on something we believe is of the utmost importance. How would we like to be remembered in a few years. How do we want the future generations to think of us? We are both very sure of our answers. It’s great that our achievements, our titles and our records are recognised, but that is academic because as the years go by it is probable that someone will arrive and do something better.

What is important, then, is that which will always be remembered. Therefore, both Roger and I agree that we would like to be remembered as good people. We live in a society that highlights the WHAT and the NOW above all else. But I would like to highlight the importance of the HOW. When you are at university or on a tennis court, say to yourselves occasionally ‘how would I like my classmates to remember me?’ And my teachers? My friends? Since the word is very fashionable right now, I could tell you to try and be INFLUENCERS in your surroundings, but I prefer the term LEADERS. The people around you should see you as someone who should be copied because of their values”.

Ex-world number 1, 1998 French Open champion and winner of 20 ATP titles Carlos Moyà was the guest speaker at an event that is very special for the young tennis players, following in the footsteps of Pau Gasol, David Ferrer, Ona Carbonell, Ricky Rubio and Iga Swiatek who have all joined Rafa at graduation ceremonies in recent years (Roger Federer and Maria Sharapova did so remotely in 2020). Moyà did not want to miss the opportunity to talk about Rafa’s personality and his values:

“When I started working with Rafa, one of my concerns was what our relationship would be like. I’ve known him since he was 11 and I’ve watched him grow ever since, in different situations. We’ve been through countless situations together both on and off the court. He’s been a companion in practice sessions and at parties (we have and we had the right to enjoy ourselves), a friend, Davis Cup winners together for probably my most amazing memory on a tennis court, opponents, doubles teammates… all of that and more. But in my work with him, at times being demanding with him, listening to him at others, sharing, travelling together, winning, losing, having a hard time during injuries… I have to say that never in my life have I felt a lack of respect towards me or towards any member of the team, and that is practically impossible to find nowadays. If you watch matches on TV you will see what I’m saying

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