Record 21-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal partnered with Alfonso X el Sabio University (UAX) to form the UAX Rafa Nadal Sports University, according to EFE Deportes.Ā
Nadal, who is regarded as one of the greatest tennis players ever and also one of the best Spanish athletes in their sports history, aims to help the sports industry grow with his latest initiative.Ā
Nadal, a former world No. 1, has his own tennis academy in Mallorca, which often receives highly positive reviews.Ā
Throughout his career, Nadal has been known as a good role model and someone who is trying to use his position to help others.Ā
Nadal recovering from a rib stress fracture
The day after losing the Indian Wells final versus Taylor Fritz, Nadal announced he sustained a stress fracture in one of his ribs.Ā
“Hi everyone, I wanted to let you know that I’m back in Spain and I went straight to see my medical team for tests after the Indian Wells final, which I played in discomfort,ā Nadal tweeted in Spanish the day after the final.Ā
“I have a stress fracture in one of my ribs and I will be out for 4 to 6 weeks. It’s not good news and I didn’t expect this. I am devastated and sad because after such a good start to the season I have had.
āNow is a very important time of the year for me and I had a very good feeling and good results. Well, I have always had that spirit of fighting and overcoming and what I will do is be patient and work hard after my recovery. Once again I would like to thank everyone for their support.”
So far, Nadal has withdrawn from the Monte Carlo Masters and Barcelona Open.Ā
The hope remains Nadal might be able to start his clay season at the Madrid Masters in early May.Ā