It has been a year since Rafael Nadal, one of tennis’s all-time greats, retired from the sport he loves, and he recently marked the anniversary with a special exhibition match against rising star Alex Eala.
The 22-time Grand Slam winner officially retired in November 2024, closing his professional career with a straight-set loss to Botic van de Zandschulp in Spain’s Davis Cup quarter-final defeat to the Netherlands. Since then, Nadal largely stepped away from the courts, taking a complete break from competitive play.
His return to hitting balls was captured in a 41-second social media clip, showcasing his match in Mallorca against Eala, a graduate of the Rafa Nadal Academy.
“One year later, it felt great to be back on a tennis court!” Nadal wrote. “It was great to practice with you @AlexEala05! Next time I will be stronger.”
In an extensive interview with Jorge Valdano on the Movistar+ program Universo Valdano, Nadal offered feedback on the encounter and explained his current relationship with tennis.
“I played 45 minutes with Eala, they asked me to play and I was happy to do so,” the 39-year-old said.
“If I don’t have to run, that’s fine. Through the academy, I remain involved and watch what I feel like watching. I don’t follow day-to-day as before. Now, I watch the matches or moments that I feel like watching.
The post offered fans a glimpse of Nadal enjoying the sport in a more relaxed, mentorship-driven setting, reflecting on both his love for tennis and the pleasure of seeing emerging talent in action.
