These players are the physical manifestation of Rafael Nadal’s legacy! 

Legacy is a hallmark of greatness, and Rafael Nadal emphasised this in a recent speech to 52 young graduates of his academy's summer program. Reflecting on a conversation with Roger Federer, Nadal highlighted that their legacy isn’t just about trophies but the impact they make as individuals. Federer’s philanthropy and Nadal’s commitment through his academy illustrate this. As top players like Andy Murray seek to refine their skills at the academy, several alumni are beginning to make significant strides on the circuit.

Carlos Alcaraz

At the 2020 Australian Open, amidst the growing concerns about pandemic, a 17-year-old Spaniard named Carlos Alcaraz captured everyone’s attention. Making his Grand Slam debut, Alcaraz impressed with a straight-sets win over Botic Van de Zandschulp. His performance drew praise from Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal, who admired Alcaraz’s intensity and passion. Trained at the Rafael Nadal Academy, Alcaraz's potential was clear from the start. His early promise eventually led him to the World No. 1 ranking, reflecting the remarkable talent and dedication that had been evident since his debut.

Casper Ruud

Casper Ruud has elevated Norway’s presence in tennis with his impressive growth in recent years. His journey, marked by early success and a bright future, began at the Rafael Nadal Academy, where he honed his footwork and baseline play. Ruud credits the academy for significantly enhancing his game. On clay courts, he’s particularly formidable, reaching the French Open finals in 2023 and 2024, and the semi-finals in 2025. Beyond his on-court achievements, his sportsmanship earned him the 2022 Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award, reflecting his exceptional conduct and dedication to the sport.

Bianca Andreescu

Bianca Andreescu has significantly benefited from her time at the Rafael Nadal Academy. Joining as a teenager, the Canadian quickly saw results, famously defeating Serena Williams twice to win the Canadian Open and US Open, becoming the first Canadian to claim a major singles title. Andreescu has openly praised the academy for its role in her rehabilitation after injury and for enhancing her technical skills and mental resilience. Now 23, she continues to refine her all-around game, leveraging the academy’s comprehensive training approach, which focuses on technical, physical, and mental preparation to further her career.

Jaume Munar

Spanish tennis star Jaume Munar, hailing from Mallorca like Rafael Nadal, has thrived thanks to the Rafael Nadal Academy’s extensive training program. Munar made headlines with his 2019 victory over Alexander Zverev in Morocco, marking the beginning of his ascent on the ATP Tour. The academy’s focus on developing a well-rounded game has been crucial to Munar’s growth, enabling him to compete at higher levels. His improved skills are evident from his wins over top players like Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz, and Casper Ruud, proving the impact of the academy’s comprehensive approach to training.

Felix Auger-Aliassime

Felix Auger-Aliassime, one of tennis’s brightest talents, frequently trains at the Rafael Nadal Academy to refine his game. The 23-year-old Canadian displayed his skills by winning the 2022 ATP Cup for Canada. With Toni Nadal, who coached Rafael Nadal, guiding him, Auger-Aliassime benefits from top-tier coaching and cutting-edge facilities. His athleticism and explosive power were evident when he pushed Rafael Nadal to a five-set battle at Roland Garros, one of only three players to do so. Thanks to the academy’s personalised training, Auger-Aliassime is poised for even greater achievements in the future.

These proponents emphasise the importance of the correct way of learning a sport.