“Able to Help More Than 800 Families”: Rafael Nadal on Work Outside Tennis

Tennis superstar Rafael Nadal has opened up on his philanthropic organization turning 10.

During a live chat on the sidelines of the ongoing Rolex Paris Masters, Nadal said, “It has been 10 years of a lot of work.”

“Starting something new is always difficult in this world. Now, we are able to help more than 800 families per year,” Nadal said. 

“And, we are increasing (the Rafa Nadal Foundation’s efforts to reach out to more needy people,” Nadal said.

“Important for us to give back”: Nadal on foundation work

The Spaniard, who currently holds 20 Grand Slam titles including an unprecedented 13 French Open trophies, said, “We are moving forward in the right direction…step by step but solid steps.”

Read More: “Feels like a different player”: Richard Gasquet commend’s Rafael Nadal’s evolution

“For public persons like myself, it is important to give back and be an example for others,” Nadal said.

The Foundation enables Nadal to indulge his philanthropic side, striving to encourage needy children to move up in life through education and sports.

Currently in the second spot on the ATP men’s singles rankings, Nadal recently reached another major landmark in his career – recording his 1,000th ATP tour win at the Paris Masters.

Nadal beat fellow Spaniard Feliciano Lopez to reach the milestone.

“Always a pleasure”: Rafael Nadal on coming back to Paris

Asked how it feels to return to Paris, a city which has seen him script some of the golden chapters in his career, Nadal said, “It’s always a pleasure to be in Paris.”

“It’s a city that I like so much. Of course, I have an amazing story with Roland-Garros. But it’s a city that I have loved since the first time I came here…I think I was nine years old,” Nadal said.

Reflecting on Nadal’s incredible record at Roland-Garros, veteran Frenchman Richard Gasquet recently said that he has become a better player with time.

Gasquet claimed Nadal’s French Open record is likely to stand the test of time as there’s no one in contemporary tennis to rival him at Roland-Garros.

He also said Nadal now plays twice as fast as he did as a teenager.

Gasquet later took to Instagram to post the ultimate tribute to Nadal, saying, “No words for this legend @Rafael Nadal.”