Tennis icon Rafael Nadal recently had the opportunity to meet an unlikely role model at his Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca. A 90-year-old Spanish veteran Enrique Ayala Hernández. Despite facing health challenges, Hernández’s commitment to the sport has seen him continue competing well into his 10th decade. His resilience and love for tennis even at an advanced age caught the attention of Nadal himself.
Among several good sporting qualities, consistency speaks the loudest. Champion players like Rafael Nadal understand that it is more difficult to stay at the top than reach there. The endless drive of the veteran that made him keep coming back for more tennis deeply inspired Nadal. He went on to compliment the not-too-old-for-tennis man through a heartfelt comment.
Rafael Nadal finds inspiration from the Spanish veteran
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
In June 2022, Hernández was proclaimed champion of the RFET veterans category for players aged over 90 years at the Nadal Academy. Despite facing a difficult recent health period, Hernández’s resilience and love for the sport at his age is admirable. Nadal’s academy is perhaps the best place for veterans like Hernández to unfold the stories of their lives. Young players need such strong examples. And as it turns out, even Nadal needed it.
In the Instagram post, Rafael Nadal’s academy mentioned, “In June 2022, Enrique Ayala Hernández was proclaimed Spanish champion of @rfetenis veterans in the + 90 years category at the @rafanadalacademy. Quite an inspiration! After going through a delicate period of health, Enrique has returned to visit us at the academy.” Treating the presence of Hernández like a blessing, Nadal uncovered the veteran’s achievements.
Rafael Nadal, whose academy posted about the heartwarming visit on Instagram, remains close to the local tennis community in Mallorca. “What a joy to see you again and in great shape!” the post quoted Nadal as saying about Hernández. Still competing vigorously in his 10th decade, Hernández is an inspiration for players of any age according to the 22-time Grand Slam champion.
In June 2022 at the Nadal Academy, Hernández defeated opponents to claim the Spanish Veterans title for the over 90s category (Source: RFET social media). Despite health issues recently, Hernández’s commitment to the sport has seen him maintain a championship level of tennis. As the academy’s Instagram post suggested, Hernández had been suffering from certain health issues. However, his return melted Nadal’s heart.
Nadal admires Hernández’s perseverance in the face of adversity. “Quite an inspiration!” said the Instagram post in reference to Hernández’s comeback. Even at 37, Nadal strives to emulate players like Hernández who prove that age is just a number when it comes to pursuing passions. Hernández embodies the fighting spirit that has defined Nadal’s career.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
via Imago
Rolex Paris Master Tennis Tournament – Day 2 Rafael Nadal during a press conference, PK, Pressekonferenz for the players during Rolex Paris Masters tennis tournament 2022 day one. PARIS France PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxFRA
Hernández proves that an active lifestyle and passion for tennis can promote healthy aging. His championship success at 90 is a testament to the physical, mental, and social benefits of sports. Nadal sees Hernández as the embodiment of the fighting spirit that has defined his career on the court.
Through it all, Hernández’s zest for tennis shines through. His example reminds players of all ages to keep pursuing their passions no matter the obstacles. As Nadal complimented Hernández’s fitness, both he and Hernández show that an indomitable spirit can overcome any challenge.
