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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 06: Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates match point during his Men’s Singles semi-final match against Matteo Berrettini of Italy on day twelve of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 06, 2019 in Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 06: Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates match point during his Men’s Singles semi-final match against Matteo Berrettini of Italy on day twelve of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 06, 2019 in Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Rafael Nadal is considered to be one of the greatest tennis players of all time. But recently the Spaniard showed his humble and kind side, as he fulfilled the dream of an old man. Nadal met a 97-year old man who dreamt of meeting the former World No.1. To this, Paul Annacone, a former American tennis player applauded the loving nature of Rafael Nadal.
Nadal even hit some shots with the old man at the Rafa Nadal Academy. As Nadal’s injury is healing, he has started his training. The 20-time Grand Slam champion hopes to return on the ATP tour in 2022.
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Former American player hails Rafael Nadal
Just recently, Rafael Nadal accomplished a 97-year-old man’s dream. Leonid Stanislavskyi, the oldest competitive tennis player on the circuit, dreamt of meeting the 20-time Grand Slam champion. The elderly man’s dream was actualized as Nadal called him at Rafa Nadal Academy.
The pair even played tennis together on the court. The old man hit some exquisite forehand shots along with one-handed backhand shots.
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WASHINGTON, DC – AUGUST 05: Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates a shot during a match against Lloyd Harris of South Africa on Day 6 during the Citi Open at Rock Creek Tennis Center on August 5, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
Paul Annacone, former Roger Federer’s coach said, “This is so amazing. Talk about his sport for a lifetime, this gentleman getting to hit with Rafa is such a thrill. But look how well he plays still.”
Leonid Stanislavskyi tiene 97 años y ostenta el récord Guinness @GWR como el tenista @ITFTennis de más edad del mundo. Su sueño era visitar la #RafaNadalAcademy by Movistar para conocer a @RafaelNadal.
¡Sueño cumplido! 😍 pic.twitter.com/AahkXy5BVO
— Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar (@rnadalacademy) October 29, 2021
Furthermore, he added, “It’s amazing to watch this, and this is very typical of Rafa Nadal of doing something like this, shows his humility and class. But what a great day for that 97-years old.”
The kindhearted Rafael Nadal has won the hearts of many people across the world. Despite competing at the highest level, Nadal has shown his loving nature.
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Who is Paul Annacone?
Paul Annacone is a former American professional player and current coach. In his singles career, he has achieved three titles and has reached the quarter-finals at Wimbledon 1984. He secured 14 titles in the doubles event, along with lifting the Australian Open in 1985.
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Tennis – Wimbledon – All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Britain – July 5, 2021 Switzerland’s Roger Federer in action during his fourth round match against Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego REUTERS/Paul Childs
Interestingly, he has coached the 20-time Grand Slam champion, Roger Federer from 2010 to 2013. Moreover, Paul also worked with the legend Pete Sampras from 1995 to 2002. Other players he has coached are Tim Henman, Stan Wawrinka, and Sloane Stephens.
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