“PLAYING AT HOME IS ALWAYS VERY SPECIAL”

Dani Rincón, Abdullah Shellbayh, Coleman Wong and Martín Landaluce are some of the most prominent male representatives of the Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar. Trained with the Academy’s values, they are now also responsible for carrying its shield and its way of understanding tennis to tournaments around the world. In the run-up to the Rafa Nadal Open by Movistar we have chatted with them and gathered their experiences both in the tournament and on the ATP Challenger Tour circuit. All four of them know the importance of having a tournament at home and have expressed this in this conversation.

What memories do you have of the Rafa Nadal Open by Movistar?

Dani Rincón : It’s a very nice tournament. In my case it’s been very special, the first two years I didn’t get any wins and last year I reached the semi-finals winning three very good matches. The atmosphere was spectacular and I enjoyed it very much.

Abdullah Shellbayh : It was the first Challenger of my career. I received a wild card, but I had a small injury. It was a difficult time, but I recovered and reached the semi-finals, beating players of great quality. That week helped me a lot to realize that I could compete against the best. It was an incredible week, and on top of that, I did it in a place I can call home.

Coleman Wong : My fondest memory of the tournament was playing my first main draw Challenger match on Centre Court last year. I came very close to getting my first tour-level win.”

Martín Landaluce : Last year’s match with Gojowzcyk was one of my best moments in tennis, especially because of what I enjoyed with my family and what it brought me as a tennis player.

You are gaining more and more experience on the circuit. What makes this tournament different?

D. R : In terms of facilities, it is much better than 95% of the tournaments on this circuit and it also takes place at a good time of year in Mallorca with very good weather and the treatment given to the players is very close and pleasant as well.

A. S : In my opinion, this tournament deserves to be an ATP event because of the way it is organised. The time of year it is held makes it even more attractive for high-quality players and it has incredible facilities. It is one of those tournaments that players have marked on their calendars.”

CW: What makes this tournament different from other tournaments is that I really enjoy playing in my second home. It’s amazing to be able to play in the place where you train.

ML : What makes it different is the fact that the atmosphere that is generated, being the Rafa Nadal Academy, is unrivalled and makes you enjoy it much more.

While training at the Academy you have had the good fortune to share the court with Rafa Nadal himself. What does it mean to you to be able to train with your idol?

DR : Sharing the court with Rafa has been like a dream come true for me. I also try to learn everything I can from him both on and off the court, and he is an example and a role model for me.

AS : It means a lot to me. I grew up watching him on TV. I really admire Rafa and now I’ve not only been able to see him but also get to know him a lot more. It’s certainly one of the factors that has helped me grow the most, I’m grateful to have this kind of opportunity.

CW: Rafa Nadal has always been my favourite tennis player and my idol, training with him has always been my dream. He taught me a lot, especially on my mental and physical side.

ML : It is a privilege to be able to be close to Rafa and learn so much from him, I am very fortunate to see his values up close and try to absorb them.

What makes the Rafa Nadal Academy so special?

DR : I think that the way all the coaches and people who work at the Academy treat each other is very close and familiar. I consider that to be the most positive part of all the incredible things it has because you feel like you are in a big “family”

AS : The people and the joyful energy that you feel just by walking through the Academy.

CW : The Academy is very special to me because it has one of the best facilities in the world and I think it is very important for tennis players like me, who have really enjoyed my training.”

ML : The people, it is no coincidence that they all have good values. It is very pleasant to socialize with them and it makes every visit very special.

Now that the four of you are here and you know each other so well, if you could have one of the other three’s great skills… which one would each of you choose?

DR : From Abdullah I would choose his backhand and his talent, from Martin his attitude and serve and from Coleman his forehand.

AS : What I like about Dani is his physique, about Coleman his backhand and about Martín his strength from the back and his power.

CW : I would stick with Dani’s serve. He has a great serve at any time and in any situation.

ML: “I would go with Dani’s physique, Coleman’s cunning and Abdullah’s hand.”

And finally, a game. What would your perfect player be like?

Dani Rincon:

Serve: Kyrgios

Backhand: Djokovic

Right: Rafa

Mindset: Rafa

Dropped: alcaraz

Speed: de minaur

Abdullah Shelbayh

Serve: kyrgios

Backhand: Djokovic

Right: Rafa

Mindset: Rafa/ Novak

Dropped: alcaraz

Speed: monfils

Coleman Wong

Backhand: Sinner

Right: Carlos Alcaraz

Mindset: Rafa Nadal

Dropshots: Rafa Nadal

Speed: Alex de Minaur

Martin Landaluce:

Serve: Zverev

Right: Sinner

Backhand: Novak

Mentality: Nadal

Dropped: Alcaraz

Speed: Alcaraz