Hi Team Stony Tennis
Rafael Nadal has officially announced that he will retire after the Davis Cup Finals this November. Over the past two decades, Nadal has achieved a level of success in tennis that few can match. With 22 Grand Slam titles, including a staggering 14 at the French Open, he has redefined excellence on clay and across all surfaces. Nadal’s list of achievements includes two Olympic gold medals and more than 200 weeks as World No. 1.
But what truly sets Nadal apart isn’t just the records—it's his relentless work ethic, his sportsmanship, and his humility. Despite facing several injuries, especially in recent years, Nadal’s resilience and dedication on the court have never wavered. His respect for his rivals and his grace in both victory and defeat have inspired fans and players alike. Beyond his playing career, he has also contributed to the sport, notably through his role in the ATP Player Advisory Council and his humanitarian efforts, including receiving the Arthur Ashe Humanitarian Award.
I feel a personal connection to this story. Although I don’t know Rafa directly, my good friend Jofre Porta, who coached him from the age of 9 until he was 17 and beat Federer in Miami, has shared many insights into Rafa’s personality, mentality, and development. In fact, many aspects of our Competition Program at Team Stony Tennis, like the focus on hard work, humility, and technical development, are inspired by what Jofre taught me about Rafa. We’ve adapted those ideas into our training, from fitness sessions to our 4:1 player-to-coach subgroups.
I’d love to share a special memory from October 25, 2006, when both Rafa and I still had long hair! I had organized a training camp at Jofre’s academy in Mallorca, and Jofre invited us to watch Rafa train at the Club Tennis Manacor, his childhood club. It was a surreal moment, especially for the kids who were able to watch the World No. 2 in action. After training, Rafa took the time to sweep his own court before spending 30 minutes with the kids, signing autographs, answering questions, and chatting away without rushing, despite an advertising team waiting for him. When asked to join the shoot, he responded with a simple, “Not yet, I am with the children.”
This small gesture exemplifies what Rafa stands for—humility, respect, and a genuine connection to people. I hope even a little of that rubbed off on the kids. Watching Rafa’s career unfold has been a privilege, and while we’ll miss seeing him on the court, his legacy will continue for years to come.
Thank you Rafa!
John Cavill
Director of Tennis
Rafael Nadal has officially announced that he will retire after the Davis Cup Finals this November. Over the past two decades, Nadal has achieved a level of success in tennis that few can match. With 22 Grand Slam titles, including a staggering 14 at the French Open, he has redefined excellence on clay and across all surfaces. Nadal’s list of achievements includes two Olympic gold medals and more than 200 weeks as World No. 1.
But what truly sets Nadal apart isn’t just the records—it's his relentless work ethic, his sportsmanship, and his humility. Despite facing several injuries, especially in recent years, Nadal’s resilience and dedication on the court have never wavered. His respect for his rivals and his grace in both victory and defeat have inspired fans and players alike. Beyond his playing career, he has also contributed to the sport, notably through his role in the ATP Player Advisory Council and his humanitarian efforts, including receiving the Arthur Ashe Humanitarian Award.
I feel a personal connection to this story. Although I don’t know Rafa directly, my good friend Jofre Porta, who coached him from the age of 9 until he was 17 and beat Federer in Miami, has shared many insights into Rafa’s personality, mentality, and development. In fact, many aspects of our Competition Program at Team Stony Tennis, like the focus on hard work, humility, and technical development, are inspired by what Jofre taught me about Rafa. We’ve adapted those ideas into our training, from fitness sessions to our 4:1 player-to-coach subgroups.
I’d love to share a special memory from October 25, 2006, when both Rafa and I still had long hair! I had organized a training camp at Jofre’s academy in Mallorca, and Jofre invited us to watch Rafa train at the Club Tennis Manacor, his childhood club. It was a surreal moment, especially for the kids who were able to watch the World No. 2 in action. After training, Rafa took the time to sweep his own court before spending 30 minutes with the kids, signing autographs, answering questions, and chatting away without rushing, despite an advertising team waiting for him. When asked to join the shoot, he responded with a simple, “Not yet, I am with the children.”
This small gesture exemplifies what Rafa stands for—humility, respect, and a genuine connection to people. I hope even a little of that rubbed off on the kids. Watching Rafa’s career unfold has been a privilege, and while we’ll miss seeing him on the court, his legacy will continue for years to come.
Thank you Rafa!
John Cavill
Director of Tennis
RSS Feed
