Rafael Nadal‘s tennis academy has been hit hard by the recent wave of flooding in some areas of Spain, according to his uncle Toni. Over 200 people have died in affected regions from what is the country’s deadliest natural disaster in living memory.
The unprecedented storm brought intense rainfall to Mallorca, where Nadal’s tennis complex is located. The extent of the damage was recently shown in pictures on social media, with several tennis courts flooded and a major clean-up operation ahead.
The disaster was triggered by an intense storm system known as Dana, which brought a barrage of torrential rain. Some rivers burst their banks as a result of the deluge, with the overflowing water causing widespread destruction in many areas.
Speaking at an event in Madrid, Toni confirmed that Nadal’s tennis academy was ravaged by the flooding but was quick to put things into perspective given the lives lost.
He told Flashscore: “[It] affected the academy. It did a lot of damage there, but I think it is insignificant compared to the tragedy we have lived through in Valencia, not only the Valencians, but all Spaniards.
“Obviously, this is not the time to discuss what happened in Mallorca. I, in particular, have experienced it with great sadness because losing so many lives all at once is hard, very hard. And then to see the images on TV is disheartening.”
Last week, the official X account for the Rafa Nadal Academy issued an update along with several images of the damage at the state-of-the-art complex.
“Thank you all very much for your messages of love after the huge [rain emoji],” they said.
“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 [the local fire service] and the maintenance teams for your effort!”
The complex previously suffered weather damage in 2018, when a devastating flash flood struck Mallorca and claimed several lives. At the time, Nadal donated a six-figure sum to aid recovery efforts in the region.
Beyond the financial help, the 38-year-old personally joined the clean-up effort in his hometown of Manacor and opened his tennis academy as a temporary shelter for displaced residents.
Nadal recently shared a public message of support to the flood victims in Valencia and surrounding areas, posting on Instagram: “Valencia. What we are seeing: An example of solidarity from its inhabitants,” alongside a clapping emoji.
Content Source: www.express.co.uk