Rafael Nadal was back on a tennis court on Wednesday (November 19), 12 months to the day since retiring from the sport.
The former world number one and 22-time Grand Slam champion showed he's still got it in a practice session with Filipino youngster Alex Eala, the 50th ranked player on the WTA Tour, at his Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca.
Nadal played his final competitive match on November 19, 2024, ending his storied career with a Davis Cup quarter-final exit against the Netherlands.
In an Instagram post, Nadal said it "felt great to be back on a tennis court."
"It was great to practice with you, Alex!" he added. "Next time, I will be stronger."
Eala is coming off a breakout campaign in the WTA Tour, reaching several milestones including a semifinal finish in the Miami Open. She reached the final of the Eastbourne Open in June, and won the Guadalajara 125 Open in September.
(Production. Conal Quinn)