WATCH: Rafael Nadal makes a dream come true for a 97-year-old tennis fan

Rafael Nadal welcomed a very special guest to his tennis academy in Mallorca, as 97-year-old Leonid Stanislavskyi took to court with the 20-time Grand Slam champion.
Nadal is edging his way back to full fitness after an ankle problem and images of him practicing at his Academy have appeared on social media in recent weeks.
Now he has had a special practice session that he is certain to remember for years to come.
The ageless Stanislavskyi holds the record for being the oldest player in the world to hold an ITF ranking and his dream was to play a few points with his favourite player Nadal.
That ambition became a reality as Nadal welcomed his oldest opponent onto court with a gentle rally that confirmed Stanislavskyi can still get around the court in fine fashion despite his advancing years.
This is a video that has to warm the heart of everyone who watches it, with Nadal’s smiles confirming he enjoyed the moment.
https://twitter.com/rnadalacademy/status/1454038760308551680?s=20
Nadal has been looking after his more mature fans in recent weeks, as he also sent this video message to a 90-year-old admirer earlier this month.
Hola @RafaelNadal! La persona que ves en el video es mi abuelo “O Parrallo”, cumple 90 años el 20 de Octubre. Te admira! Y el mejor regalo que le puede hacer la vida, es que tú le felicites en un video. Muchísimas gracias! pic.twitter.com/C6pYVrx9yT
— Pilar Leon (@pilarleon007) October 4, 2021
Latest
-
ATP Tour
WATCH: Alejandro Davidovich Fokina tears up after Ugo Humbert suffers nasty fall – ‘I’m going to cry’
“It’s never easy to see a friend like this. He just flew on the court.”
-
ATP Tour
WATCH: Alexander Bublik obliterates three rackets in the space of 30 seconds
Alexander Bublik loses his cool and the match.
-
WTA Tour
Emma Raducanu misses the cut for direct entry into Indian Wells Open, but could still feature
Emma Raducanu fourth on the alternate list for Indian Wells.
-
ATP Tour
Novak Djokovic déjà vu as he remains on Indian Wells entry list, Rafael Nadal also included
The 2023 Indian Wells Open entry list features Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal.
-
Tennis News
Elena Rybakina explains why she publicly defended her coach Stefano Vukov after social media ‘mess’
“He helps me a lot. We have open dialogues,” says Elena Rybakina.
-
ATP Tour
Andy Murray’s 2023 tennis schedule: Where is he competing next and his season so far…
Andy Murray’s potential schedule for the 2023 season.
-
WTA Tour
Ons Jabeur to miss Middle East swing as she requires surgery
Ons Jabeur to miss Doha and Dubai events.
-
Tennis News
Venus Williams gives fitness update: ‘For now, I’ll not be playing tennis’
“This is the kind of injury that you have to let it rest.”
-
Tennis News
Dominic Thiem looking to rekindle fire after losing his spark following US Open success
Dominic Thiem still has the belief that he can regain his best form.
-
ATP Tour
Holger Rune’s impressive growth in one chart as he confirms Patrick Mouratoglou will stay on
Holger Rune on the rise.