After storm leaves Rafael Nadal's academy in chaos, tennis insider expresses concern about flooded courts
Concerning scenes unfolded on Monday, October 28, as an overnight storm struck the Balearic Islands, heavily impacting the Rafael Nadal Academy. The aftermath recently raised concerns of journalist Jose Morgado.
The impact of the DANA (Isolated High-Level Depression) that struck Mallorca on Monday morning was severe. This weather phenomenon, occurring when warm air collides with a cold front, resulted in 112 incidents across various municipalities.
Per the Majorca Daily, 77 emergency operations were reported as of 6 a.m. on Monday. The DANA brought intense rainfall and severe storms to Mallorca overnight, impacting the Rafa Nadal Academy in Manacor. One of the academy's trainers, Taiki Takizawa, previously shared the effects of flooding at the academy and surrounding areas on Instagram.
Despite the damages, everyone at the academy was safe, as shared by the Rafael Nadal Academy's official X handle.
"Thank you all very much for your messages of love after the huge 🌨️ . The important thing is that we are all well and working to get back to normal life at the academy as soon as possible. Thanks to @BombersdeMca and the maintenance teams for your effort! 👏🏻👏🏻" they captioned the post.
Journalist Jose Morgado reposted the academy's update, expressing concern over the recent events.
"Wow. Terrible scenes coming from the Nadal Academy," he wrote.
"Was very sad for all the people": When Rafael Nadal's academy came in rescue of the 2018 flash flood victims of Mallorca
Another devastating tragedy that struck Rafael Nadal's hometown, claiming several lives, was a flash flood in 2018. Although his family members were safe, the cousin of one of his closest friends and her young son were among the victims. Nadal expressed his sadness over the tragedy in an interview with CNN that year.
"I really lived that tragedy, from very close."Was very sad for all the people that lost the materials, but especially, the lives that can't come back."
Most of the damage occurred in Sant Llorenç, which the Prime Minister declared a disaster zone. The very next day, the 22-time Grand Slam champion volunteered to assist with the town's cleanup efforts. He added:
"The next day, we went on court and after 10 minutes, I said Guys, I can't practice. I came back, and I was here with the friends and after that, we decided to go there. That's all."
Furthermore, the former World No. 1 made his academy available to provide shelter for victims of the flash floods. Nadal also donated one million euros ($1.1 million) to support those affected by the disaster.