Nature’s force can be both awe-inspiring and terrifying, and Spain is feeling the full weight of that reality as flash floods have swept across the country. Streets have turned to rivers, homes to ruins, and countless lives have been upended. And in the face of this fierce nightmare, Spain’s tennis stars are stepping up to pray for the citizens’ well-being. Leading the charge are none other than Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz, and Paula Badosa.

Rafael Nadal and Paula Badosa took to their respective social media handles to express their grief over the devastating situation in the country. Both players prayed for the safety of the citizens and motivated others to take measures as well. They were also joined by the rising star Carlos Alcaraz who seemed to be equally worried and promised to help his compatriots. 

Taking to his Instagram story, Rafa prayed for everyone’s strength amidst the turbulent times. “Today has been a sad day with the suffering and pain caused by Dana in our country. Our hearts ache when we see the images. My love and encouragement to all those who have suffered the loss of family and friends. Strength and courage to all. Rafa Nadal,” he wrote. The rain began in the country on Monday night and continued to turn disastrous. 

The main cause is likely a weather phenomenon known as a “gota fría,” and sometimes referred to by its acronym ‘DANA,’ which stands for depresión aislada en niveles altos,” meaning isolated depression at high altitudes. Meanwhile, similar reactions followed from Badosa as well.   

Taking to her social media, the WTA Star, who also made a donation for the victims, wrote, “Many people are suffering and it is essential that we join forces to help them. I have already made my donation, and I encourage you to consider doing the same. Every contribution, no matter how small, can make a big difference in the lives of those in need.” Carlos Alcaraz too, did not hold back from supporting people in need.  Speaking in an interview with C à vous, the Spanish youngster said, “I will try to help as much as possible, to give a hand.” He also took to his X and wrote, “All my love to those who have lost loved ones due to Dana and much strength to those who continue to search for the missing.” And this help is crucial given the intensity of the situation. 

For those unaware, the flash floods have already killed 95 people in the country, as per authorities who released a statement on Wednesday. Several dozen people are still missing as search operations have continued to take place. Several locations in southern and eastern Spain witnessed 12 inches of rain, with Valencia being the worst affected. It has witnessed such a situation for the first time in 28 years, per state weather agency AEMET. This, however, is not the first time when the tennis community joined hands in such devastating times. 

When Hurricane Milton united the tennis community in America

Nature’s havoc was also witnessed in the United States this month when Hurricane Milton lead to landfall near Siesta Key in Florida. While the devastation was enormous with lives being claimed in double digits, the tennis community was prompt to extend help.  

The 2023 US Open winner Coco Gauff came forward to share her well wishes for the citizens. “Please Stay Safe, Florida,” she wrote on her story with a praying hands emoji. Similar reactions followed as another Floridian, Chris Evert, shared crucial updates about evacuation and prayed for everyone’s safety. The 69-year-old, who resides in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, shared a clip from CNN’s coverage where the Tampa mayor urged people to evacuate highlighting the troublesome nature of the storm Sharing it, Evert tweeted, “Please take this warning seriously!” But for now, all eyes are on Spain. 

It remains to be seen if more players join the likes of Rafael Nadal, Paula Badosa, and Carlos Alcaraz to offer their prayers in these testing times. Until then, one can only pray and wish for the best for the country and its citizens.