The name Nadal is here to stay in padel.
On June 29, 2026, the Rafa Nadal Academy will launch its Annual Padel Program, an annual training program for young players ages 12 to 18.
Maribel Nadal, the academy’s deputy general manager, has set this goal: to make the project a global leader in padel, following the model of what the organization has built in tennis over the past ten years.
“With the annual padel schedule, we are taking another step toward making the Rafa Nadal Academy a global leader in this sport.”
Maribel Nadal, Deputy Executive Director of the Rafa Nadal Academy
The tennis model adapted to padel
The schedule follows the approach that has made the academy famous in the world of tennis.
High-performance training, personalized fitness training, nutrition, sports psychology, video analysis, and competition planning.
The students also attend the Rafa Nadal School, which follows an accredited American curriculum.
The campus features 19 indoor and outdoor padel courts, a fitness center, medical services, and an international residence hall.
Rodri Ovide, the centerpiece
The real standout is the name of the mastermind behind the method: Rodri Ovide, one of the most respected coaches on the circuit.
The men have shaped the playing styles of Gemma Triay, Juan Lebrón, Paquito Navarro, Martín Di Nenno, and Alejandra Salazar.
This lends credibility to the initial proposal.
For Maribel Nadal, his arrival completely changed the way the academy’s philosophy was adapted to padel.
“Everything was developed in collaboration with Rodri Ovide. We have a method and a coach who is highly respected throughout the world of padel. He has done a remarkable job training all of our coaches.”
Maribel Nadal
Developing players—and people
Beyond performance, the academy champions the values that reflect Rafa Nadal ‘s image : hard work, humility, respect, resilience, and continuous improvement.
The stated goal is not just to produce better players, but better people.
Maribel Nadal thinks big:
“I hope that lots of boys and girls from all over the world will come and enjoy the academy, because at the end of the day, we’re one big family.”
It remains to be seen whether this talent pool will produce the next generation of world-class players.
