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PARIS, FRANCE – JUNE 09: Rafael Nadal of Spain looks on as he poses with the Mousquetaires Trophy after beating Dominic Thiem of Austria in the final of the man’s singles during Day 15 of the 2019 French Open at Roland Garros on June 09, 2019 in Paris, France. (Photo by Aurelien Meunier/Getty Images)
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PARIS, FRANCE – JUNE 09: Rafael Nadal of Spain looks on as he poses with the Mousquetaires Trophy after beating Dominic Thiem of Austria in the final of the man’s singles during Day 15 of the 2019 French Open at Roland Garros on June 09, 2019 in Paris, France. (Photo by Aurelien Meunier/Getty Images)
Ten years ago, tennis legend Rafael Nadal had started a foundation under his name to give back to the community. And in the last decade, Rafa Nadal Foundation has actively participated in many social causes worldwide, helping people in times of dire need. But how did it all start? On the occasion of its foundation’s 10th anniversary, Nadal answered this question.
Notably, the Rafa Nadal Foundation had started its noble journey in the second-largest populated country, India. On this fact, the tennis great shared about the time he visited the South Asian country. In addition, Nadal insisted that still “there is a lot to do.”
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Why did Rafa Nadal Foundation originate in India?
Looking back, the 35-year-old Spaniard remembered the memory of India clearly. Hence, he shared the story with one and all on the special day of his foundation.
Mainly, it was the Indian people smiling in the face of adversity that shook Rafael Nadal. And so, he decided to start his work there and returned to his home country during the 2008 financial crisis.
“Seeing people who have such a bad time but have the ability to be happy; it was shocking. When I came back from India, I had that memory, and we started there. Later, in 2008 with the crisis, it was time to go home,” Nadal said.
(All quotes are translated from Spanish to English via Google Translate).
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CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA – FEBRUARY 8 : Roger Federer (R) of Switzerland and Rafael Nadal (L) of Spain play a tennis match at Cape Town Stadium as part of an exhibition game held to support the education of African children, on February 8, 2020 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by Stringer/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
Furthermore, the 20-time Grand Slam champion is looking forward to assembling all the learning and carrying on the noble work for many more years ahead. “First, we have to consolidate everything we have; there is a lot to do,” Nadal ended.
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When will Rafael Nadal return to the ATP Tour?
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For a long time now, Nadal had been suffering from a persistent foot injury. However, things are looking good for him as he plans to make a comeback early in 2022.
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Tennis – Australian Open – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, February 13, 2021 Spain’s Rafael Nadal is interviewed after winning his third round match against Britain’s Cameron Norrie REUTERS/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake
Fascinatingly, the Spaniard announced that he would play an exhibition tournament in Abu Dhabi as a build-up for the Australian Open next year. Given his history, Nadal will return to the scene as if he had never left the tennis tour.
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Above all, the record 13-time French Open champion will aim to better his 2021 season next year. Let’s see if Nadal will win his 21st Grand Slam title in 2022.
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