The excitement for Rafael Nadal‘s comeback in the ongoing clay court season is sky-high. After facing a second-round defeat against Alex De Minaur, the Spaniard will be entering the tournament in Madrid, with 16-year-old Darwin Blanch as his first-round opponent. While Blanch might be new to the scene, the efforts made by his family to propel his journey to stardom have been almost miraculous.

Ernesto Blanch, the father of the young American Darwin Blanch, laid the foundation of his deep interest in the sport. Back when he was based in Thailand while working for Coca-Cola, Ernesto took time to transform their backyard into a tennis court, originally intended for his eldest son, Ulises. However, little did he know that this DIY effort would set the stage for his youngest son, Darwin, to earn a remarkable position in the tennis world.

“From a very early age, they were very clear that they wanted to be professionals [tennis players], and they didn’t really want to talk much about going to college,” Ernesto Blanch remembered. His commitment to his children’s dreams made him surprise his kids with a space where first Ulises, and later his siblings Dali, Krystal, and Darwin, could work on their skills under the hot Thai sun.

“In many ways, Ulises became the manifestation of the blueprint followed later by his siblings,” adds Blanch. However, it was Darwin who unexpectedly drew the benefits of his father’s efforts, paving his way into the international stage of tennis.

Ernesto Blanch’s candid idea to provide his children with the tools to pursue their dreams came out as a fruitful decision, sowing the seed of admiration for the sport in Darwin. Ernesto wanted his kids to have the best tools to find their way to greatness and it included excellent coaching. And it just so happens that Rick Macci is particularly fond of the youngest member of the Blanch family.

Legendary coach Rick Macci’s connection with Darwin Blanch’s family

Rick Macci, the renowned coach who carved the initial journey of players like Serena Williams, Andy Roddick, and more, also has a connection with Darwin Blanch. After the siblings started to gain a knack for the sport, Darwin’s father Ernest hired an Argentinian coach and also used to take the kids to Florida, to seek guidance from Macci.

“Rick put the technique. The biomechanics, which are really important to build before the age of 12. So, first the biomechanics, and then they learn how to actually play the game,” Ernest said. Besides him, the legendary coach himself affirmed the efforts his father made to train the kids.

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“All the kids are very coachable—they don’t get too high, and they don’t get too low. They’re very even keel. The father, Ernesto, has done an amazing job with all the kids,” Serena’s ex-coach said. As Darwin Blanch continues to navigate his way in professional tennis, it still remains to be seen if he gains a major feat by taking down Nadal in his upcoming match!