On October 19, 2016, the Rafa Nadal Academy was officially inaugurated in Manacor by 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafa Nadal, alongside Roger Federer and various personalities from sports and business. A decade later, the Academy’s mission remains the same: to develop young athletes and foster their potential both on and off the court.

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Over the past ten years, the Rafa Nadal Academy has become a leading tennis training center, attracting students and tennis enthusiasts from around the globe. The Academy emphasizes a philosophy that combines sports, education, and values, echoing the training methodology and principles that have guided Nadal throughout his career. Key values include hard work, humility, discipline, respect, and relentless improvement, reinforcing the idea that success extends beyond sports.

Among the Academy’s notable successes is Casper Ruud, who came to Manacor in 2018 as the World No. 143 and achieved World No. 2 status, competing in three Grand Slam finals by 2022. Other players such as Jaume Munar, Alex Eala, Martín Landaluce, Coleman Wong, Abdullah Shelbayh, and Alina Korneeva have also benefited from the Academy's nurturing environment.

Academy players have secured 14 Junior Grand Slam titles—seven in singles and seven in doubles—while five have reached Junior World No. 1. However, the Academy's true success lies not just in these titles, but in its commitment to comprehensive education, enabling young athletes to balance high-performance tennis with academic pursuits. The Rafa Nadal School offers international education, equipping students for both athletic careers and college admissions, particularly in the United States.

Initially a local project, the Academy has expanded internationally, opening new academies and Rafa Nadal Tennis Centres in countries such as Kuwait, Mexico, Greece, Hong Kong, Spain, Egypt, and the Dominican Republic. Future expansions are planned in Brazil (2027) and Lombok, Indonesia (2028), further enhancing its global footprint while remaining anchored in Manacor.

The Academy has also become a hub for international tennis, hosting professional competitions, including the Rafa Nadal Open, part of the ATP Challenger Tour, and various other tournaments since 2018. These events have helped solidify the Academy’s reputation in the international sporting community.

The 10-year anniversary was commemorated on October 3 with the Rafa Nadal Academy Slam, an exhibition match featuring tennis legends, culminating in Team Rafa’s victory. The event highlighted historic rivalries and friendships in tennis, further celebrated by a musical performance from David Bisbal.

Additionally, a commemorative book titled Building a Legacy was released, detailing the Academy's ten-year journey and including an interview with Rafa Nadal about the project’s philosophy and future aspirations, emphasizing the goal of shaping individuals more than just champions.

Ten years after its opening, the Rafa Nadal Academy continues to thrive as a global initiative dedicated to providing opportunities for the next generation of athletes, students, and tennis fans.