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Nadal back on court a year after retirement
The Spaniard played his final professional match on 19 November 2024
November 19, 2025
Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar
Alexandra Eala and Rafael Nadal shared a practice together at Nadal’s eponymous academy.
By ATP Staff
It may still seem like it was yesterday, but exactly one year ago, on 19 November 2024, Rafael Nadal played his last professional match in the Final 8 of the Davis Cup. In doing so, he brought an end to a career during which he earned 1,000 tour-level match wins, 92 titles —22 of them at majors — and spent 209 weeks at No. 1 in the PIF ATP Rankings.
On Wednesday, the anniversary of his retirement, the Spanish legend picked up his racquet again at the Rafa Nadal Academy in a practice session with Alexandra Eala, the current WTA World No. 50.
“After a year, it felt great to be back on a tennis court. It was great to practise with you, Alex Eala. Next time I’ll be stronger,” Nadal wrote on social media.
Nadal is still heavily involved in his eponymous academy and closely follows the progress of players like the hugely talented 19-year-old Filipina, who rose from No. 143 into the Top 50 this year.
This practice session with the ATP Tour great is a reflection of the connection he maintains with players that train at the Academy, his commitment to excellence, a comprehensive education, and instilling the values that defined his career.
