Last week, Rafael Nadal enjoyed watching some matches at the ATP Challenger tournament held at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Manacor, Mallorca.
Duje Ajdukovic, whom Rafa defeated a few weeks ago in Bastad, won the sixth edition of the Rafa Nadal Open by Movistar. The Croatian player outlasted Matteo Gigante in Sunday’s singles final, coming from behind to win 4-6, 6-3, 6-4. He struck 11 aces and won 77 percent of his first-service points, capitalizing on three of his seven break-point opportunities to secure victory in two hours and 23 minutes.
Even though Rafa wasn’t competing in his own tournament, it was great to see him supporting other players who are dreaming of having a successful career like his.
Not sure most of those players are really “rising talents.” Many of them are just trying to survive on the Challenger tour and just a few younger ones might make something of their careers. But with a well organized tournament at Rafa Academy at least they’ll see that even Challengers can be run professionally. Some of these Challengers are poorly organized.
❤️