Rafael Nadal is retired but still dearly missed. Any time he returns to the tennis court is momentous because he has not played much, if at all, in the year since he left the game.
Today marks one year since our 14-time champion retired. It all comes back to you, always. Thank you for the magic, Rafa 🫶🧡 pic.twitter.com/ttuI2R9cGc
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) November 19, 2025
Business obligations and an expanding family have kept his attention though he did grace Roland Garros with his presence in a thrilling ceremony at May’s French Open.
Nadal, with his classic Nike attire and a backwards hat in place of the traditional headband, took to social media to show us his preparations to hit the practice court with Rafael Nadal Academy graduate and emerging WTA star, Alexandra Eala. The Filipina player became a household name at the Miami Open in March when she marched through a star-studded draw with wins over Grand Slam champions Jelena Ostapenko, Madison Keys, and Iga Swiatek.
One year later, it felt great to be back on a tennis court!
It was great to practice with you @AlexEala05! Next time I will be stronger 😉 pic.twitter.com/XMHkkVvfWh
— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) November 19, 2025
There were plenty of smiles and hard hitting shots. We did not hear if there was a score kept, but Nadal did mention “Next time I will be stronger.”
Will Rafael Nadal Present Roger Federer At International Tennis HOF?
It is the tennis offseason but fans are feeling big waves of nostalgia with Nadal’s practice court video and news that Roger Federer will be a member of the International Tennis Hall of Fame Class of 2026. Not surprisingly, Federer was selected in his first year of eligibility.
That makes us wonder if we will see Nadal in Newport, Connecticut next August to present Federer.
We hope so; fans were delighted when rival turned friend Serena Williams presented Maria Sharapova a few months ago.
Can you imagine the fanfare if Nadal is there to present Federer?
Either way, Federer’s induction will be a huge event and fans can anticipate a 2028 induction of Nadal in the International Tennis HOF.
