Rafael Nadal’s Tennis Academy Hit by Severe Storm, Parts Left Underwater
Parts of Rafael Nadal’s prestigious tennis academy in Mallorca, Spain, have been severely damaged following a powerful storm that swept through the Balearic Islands overnight on Monday. The storm, which brought torrential rain, strong winds, and widespread flooding, left sections of the academy submerged under water, disrupting operations and leaving behind a trail of destruction.
The storm, described as one of the most intense in recent years, struck the Balearic Islands late on Monday evening, causing flash floods across the region. In particular, areas of Mallorca, the largest of the islands, were hit hardest by the extreme weather conditions. Several parts of the island’s infrastructure were affected, including roads, bridges, and buildings, with the Nadal Academy among the worst-hit locations.
Rafael Nadal’s Tennis Academy, known for being one of the premier training facilities in the world, has long been a symbol of the Spanish tennis star’s commitment to the sport and to developing the next generation of players. Situated in the coastal town of Manacor, the academy is not just a training ground for top athletes but also a popular tourist attraction for tennis enthusiasts who visit from around the world.
Reports emerging from the academy suggest that the storm’s intense rainfall overwhelmed local drainage systems, flooding the academy’s grounds and courts. Images from the scene show parts of the tennis complex submerged under several inches of water, with muddy puddles covering the once-pristine courts and outdoor areas. The floodwaters also affected the indoor facilities, including the gym and training rooms, which had their floors inundated.
Fortunately, despite the severe damage to the facility, no injuries have been reported, and staff and athletes were able to evacuate in time. Local authorities and emergency response teams have been working around the clock to assess the damage, clear blocked roads, and help with the clean-up efforts at the academy. Teams have also been helping secure the surrounding area to ensure that the damage does not worsen.
Rafael Nadal, who has been known for his resilience both on and off the court, has expressed his concerns for the academy but has also vowed to rebuild and recover from the damage. The tennis legend took to social media shortly after the storm to share an update with his fans and followers. “It’s been a very difficult night for everyone at the academy and across the island. But we are safe, and we will work together to repair and rebuild what has been damaged. We are strong, and we will overcome this setback,” Nadal wrote in a statement posted on Instagram.
The storm, which also impacted other parts of the island, has left many residents without power, and hundreds of flights were delayed or canceled at Palma de Mallorca Airport. Local authorities have declared a state of emergency in several areas, and flood warnings remain in place as heavy rains continue to fall in the region.
In the aftermath of the storm, Nadal’s academy has vowed to continue its work in nurturing young tennis talent and providing a world-class training environment for future champions. Though the damage is considerable, the academy is expected to reopen in stages as repairs are made. In the meantime, the players and coaching staff have temporarily relocated to alternative venues to continue their training sessions, with some events being rescheduled or postponed.
Nadal’s Academy, which opened in 2016, has become a cornerstone of Spanish tennis development. With state-of-the-art facilities, including 26 clay courts, a gym, and a recovery area, the academy has trained some of the world’s most promising young players. It also serves as a hub for Nadal’s charitable efforts, with various community initiatives aimed at making tennis accessible to young people from all backgrounds.
This storm marks another challenging chapter for the academy, but given Nadal’s reputation for overcoming adversity, the tennis world is confident that the facility will recover quickly. As one of the greatest athletes in tennis history, Nadal’s leadership and determination are expected to guide the academy through this difficult time, and once again, the facility will be restored to its former glory.
In the coming days, further updates on the recovery efforts are expected, as local authorities and the academy work together to restore normal operations and ensure the safety of the community.
