via Reuters
Tennis – French Open – Roland Garros, Paris, France – June 7, 2021 Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates winning his fourth round match against Italy’s Jannik Sinner REUTERS/Christian Hartmann
via Reuters
Tennis – French Open – Roland Garros, Paris, France – June 7, 2021 Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates winning his fourth round match against Italy’s Jannik Sinner REUTERS/Christian Hartmann
After announcing some optimistic news regarding his injury, Rafael Nadal has finally resumed his training. Though he has withdrawn from the remainder of the 2021 season, the Spaniard is all set to make his comeback in the 2022 season. And just recently, Nadal fulfilled the dream of an old man who desired to meet the Spaniard.
The 97-years old, Leonid Stanislavskyi, even hit some exquisite shots with Rafael Nadal at Rafa Nadal Academy. The Rafa Nadal Academy then shared some delightful snaps from their training.
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The oldest ITF player meets Rafael Nadal
The 20-time Grand Slam champion is finally back in training, as he recovers from his left foot injury. After a shocking loss at French Open 2021, Nadal decided to withdraw from Wimbledon, the US Open, and the rest of the season. And recently, Nadal was back on the tennis court at Rafa Nadal Academy.
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Surprisingly, the former World No.1 met the 97-years old man, Leonid Stanislavskyi. Stanislavskyi holds the Guinness world record for the oldest tennis player on the ITF tennis. He desired to meet the 20-time Grand Slam champion. And then his wishes came true as he was called to the Rafa Nadal Academy to fulfill his dream.
Nadal even practiced with him
After fulfilling the dream of Leonid Stanislavskyi, Rafael Nadal was asked by the old man, “Could I play a point with you?” To this, Rafael Nadal kindly replied, “Of course!”
– Leonid: Could I play a point with you?
– Rafa: Of course! pic.twitter.com/soHR0XznCJ— Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar (@rnadalacademy) October 29, 2021
The pair then went on to practice for a while. Despite being 97-years old, the old man was hitting some good tennis shots against one of the greatest tennis players of all time. Rafa Nadal Academy also posted some pictures and videos from their practice session.
It seems Rafael Nadal and the 97-years old shared some precious moments during their surprise meeting and training.
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via Getty
WASHINGTON, DC – AUGUST 1: Rafael Nadal (ESP) speaks with press on Media Day ahead of the 2021 Citi Open at Rock Creek Park Tennis Center on August 1, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mike Lawrence/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
Undoubtedly, apart from being one of the greatest tennis players of all time, Rafael Nadal is also a very kind and human being. To fulfill the dreams of others is always a nice gesture to do, and by meeting the old tennis player, Nadal has proved his loving nature.
It would be now intriguing to see when the Spaniard makes his comeback to the ATP tour.
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