No one has Rafa's physique: the harsh reality of training at the Rafa Nadal Academy

Friday, 01 December 2023 at 23:30

A former student of the Rafa Nadal Academy shared their opinion on the concerning training center policies that have led to injuries among the youth.

18-year-old Spanish player Ariana Geerlings, who is actively participating in the ITF Tour, granted an interview to Puntop de Break, where she provided insights into the academy acclaimed as one of the world's foremost for aspiring tennis players. The facilities and infrastructure are of world-class standards, accommodating both young talents and seasoned players. However, perfection eludes the Rafa Nadal Academy, as not everything is flawless in its policies:

"They try to rely a lot on their career. They train for many hours, and Toni (Nadal) is very present. He trained me a lot. They take the same philosophy as Rafa, a lot of training and little rest, totally focused on the court," Ariana Geerlings said.

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The young tennis player acknowledged that Nadal's approach has resulted in injuries for several young athletes, as the philosophy of the 22-times Grand Slam champion is closely adhered to.

"That caused many injuries because no one has Rafa's physique. Many of us couldn't keep up with the pace of training five hours a day and not having rest days."

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Ultimately, the young Spanish player decided to leave Nadal's academy after three years and returned to her home in Murcia. Nevertheless, Geerlings expressed gratitude for the experience she gained at Nadal's academy.

"Very cool, it is an incredible experience, they supported me from the first day. Maybe I left when I was very young, you move away from your parents and that is hard, although it was good for me to mature and realize the sacrifice that this career entails. They also made it easier for me in my studies; at home, it would have been different," she concluded.

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Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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