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| Rafael Nadal at the Barcelona Open - Banc Sabadell |
This important clay tournament has been a pillar of his entire career.
Rafa has been attending this club ever since he was a child, coming with his uncle on field trips.
The winner of Barcelona is the defacto Tennis Champion of Spain - the Spanish Open since 1899.
St. George's Day @ Barcelona Open
To participate in the celebration, I bought 3 flowers from local students and handed them to some smiling girls.
This was also the day I finally got to step on the same clay as His Spanish Majesty, King Rafa! In Madrid 2022, both royals were in attendance.
On this cloudy Catalonia morning, I spotted Carlos Moya on the opposite bench from Diego Schwartzman. I had no doubt that Nadal would be just a little behind. I raced up from the media center to get the guards' confirmation that he had entered the premises.
Join the Rafa Fan Community @ RoadtoRafa.com
- Play, Watch, Live Tennis at his academy summer camps in the USA
- Learn from the RNA coaches using the Nadal System
- Vacation in Mallorca and train next to Rafa and Uncle Toni!
- Experience your Summer of Spain using my map on the "Clay Camino" trail
Facing the Bull's Charge
Greeting me alone, I panicked and could only quickly share that I would visit his academy and home island the following week.
He responded simply, "Great! I will see you there."
He responded simply, "Great! I will see you there."
But at that point, I didn't think he was actually being serious!
When Rafa straight runs at you - no physical contact is required to knock you over psychologically. No human is immune from flinching.
I have read about other sports legends like Bruce Lee and Muhammad Ali.
They commanded the same intensity in any room.
Rafa is the sportsman of this era and sport.
They commanded the same intensity in any room.
Rafa is the sportsman of this era and sport.
Whether you are a cameraman, opponent, or a tennis fan. Rich or poor, young or old. We are all but humans and God-fearing mortals once the eyes of El Toro are locked onto you. The weight of his presence has broken the will of many men.
Netflix's Break Point series
You can see how even Casper Ruud at the French Open for the 2022 Final knew that sinking feeling of imminent doom. Waiting in the runway lobby for the Championship Match, he nervously asks:
Q: How long is left? A: Not long.
Q: How long is left? A: Not long.
You've met a Giant. His mental strength of a superhuman. The Deity has manifested on clay.
In all my years of tennis, there has been no equivalent moment as meeting Rafa on clay.
In all my years of tennis, there has been no equivalent moment as meeting Rafa on clay.
I have witnessed no greater miracle. Breathing the same air and sharing the same clay court.
Visiting Rafa and the RNA team in Mallorca
After this trip, I was lucky to be invited to Mallorca on a special media fare session before the Madrid Open.
At the Rafa Nadal Academy, I lived/ate/trained with the pros daily. I shared the same gym space with Naomi and Rafa during their French Open preparation routine.
I had access to his giant locker room with multiple saunas and ice baths. Played on the hard and clay courts, swam in the Olympic pools, and met his personal physio. On the bench was Rafa's decorated bag with 20+ Grand Slams!
Even chatted with Uncle Toni. WTA World #1 Iga Swiatek visited in 2022 just before winning her 2nd French Open. Some magic in the Manacor water?
I was assigned a dorm room adjacent to the US Open Champion at night. During the day, we walked beside the living legend at his home proving grounds. Full review with photos here.
Uncle Toni - the Tennis Palm Reader
I went to take my selfie with Uncle Toni, but I still had bandages on my left hand from an injury I suffered at the Barcelona Open on Day 1.Even after a week, the wound was still not fully healed.
The Spanish Medics added a journal entry that will always serve as a record of my visit.
I gave the kind nurse that treated me one of 3 roses from St. George's Day. I hope she remembers.
I flew Air Europa over the Balearic Sea. Rented a car and drove the long way across the island. During the car ride from Palma airport, my bandage was no longer sticking. When I tried to hide it from Uncle Toni - he immediately took my wrapped hand and wanted to know what had happened?
The Spanish Medics added a journal entry that will always serve as a record of my visit.
I gave the kind nurse that treated me one of 3 roses from St. George's Day. I hope she remembers.
I flew Air Europa over the Balearic Sea. Rented a car and drove the long way across the island. During the car ride from Palma airport, my bandage was no longer sticking. When I tried to hide it from Uncle Toni - he immediately took my wrapped hand and wanted to know what had happened?
I said I'm a media photographer.
It's nothing, just a small accident...
It's nothing, just a small accident...
He paused. He looked again at my hands and my feet.
He then studied my fingers carefully, seeing each joint's calluses.
The dried, cracked folds. White lines under the creases of my skin.
The dried, cracked folds. White lines under the creases of my skin.
Uncle Toni pointed at me and said simply, "You are a tennis player!"
Then he smiled joyfully, and we took a selfie together.
The Tennis Hands and Feet of Combat
Like two immortals in Highlander - warriors can sense each other from afar, like the Quickening...
He knows your history to the tennis core before you even speak a word or hit a ball.
Whether a nephew or a new student, Toni has that 6th sense. He reads the soul of men.
In the biography 'Rafa,' Uncle Toni is described as an ancient warrior sage.
He indeed seemed to hail from another era of ancient time of warfare.
He loves what he does. I felt very humbled to be in front of him.
Blistering from Barcelona - all Spanish artists have learned to embrace suffering.
The indelible marks of gladiators, men who have fought inside the Arena.
Loyalty for the Gods of Tennis.Our apprenticeship began with Sweat.Earned from the weight of the Clay.An oath sealed by the Baseline Brotherhood.
Tennis Truth is told thru the Tan Lines
Tennis Tales Talk in Tangos...
Years of Toil and Training
Forged in Turmoil with Tenacity
Fused by the Tolerance of Toughness.
Painted on each Warrior are our Badges of Honor.
Just above my feet appears dark rings or my "sun tattoos" - anklets etched in from the heat.
Visible only when I remove my mini-crew Thorlo tennis socks. Layers upon layers - my carvings are not of ink but UV light. Sewn into the skin slowly, repeatedly every week for over 20 years.
These truths that money can't buy. Counting my years given to this religion. Like the tree rings of ancient redwoods revealing our time served outdoors.
Deep contrast between two skin tones.
They tell the tale of two bodies - one in war and one in peace.
They tell the tale of two bodies - one in war and one in peace.
Once while walking barefoot, one woman commented that I seem to walk with another man's feet!
My Special Summer in Spain
If you ever get a chance to go once in your life - you can use my promo code: "JCTENNIS" for my special VIP discounts on camps and lodging. I have never forgot this wonderful Summer Trip in Spain.
Tennis Vacation in Europe or the USA
As an RNA agent, I now help dozens of tennis families in the US experience the Rafa coaches' training camps. In the past, the Top 2 kids at each summer camp get picked for a free exchange program in Mallorca! Learn more about the full Rafa Nadal Academy experience for Juniors and Adults.
