Rafael Nadal’s sister Maribel fondly revisits 'great memories' with Roger Federer to celebrate eight years of Spaniard's tennis academy

Rafael Nadal's tennis academy recently completed its eighth anniversary, and the tennis legend’s sister was quick to celebrate. Maribel penned a small, heartfelt note for the occasion, and even shared a throwback photo of her brother posing alongside Roger Federer during the inauguration of the academy.

The initial work for the Spaniard’s academy began in 2014, with the inauguration taking place two years later, in October 2016. Based in Nadal's hometown of Manacor, Mallorca, the institution features a team of coaches led by Toni Nadal, and has garnered international appreciation for its facilities.

Now, as the academy completes it's eight anniversary, Maribel celebrated the occasion on Instagram, writing,

“Happy Birthday!”

In another story she shared a snap of Nadal and Federer at the academy’s inauguration, writing (translated from Spanish),

“Great memories of a very special day.”

Rafael Nadal pens lengthy note to celebrate eight years of his academy

Meanwhile, Rafael Nadal also took the time to celebrate the eighth anniversary of his tennis academy. The former World No.1 penned a lengthy note for the occasion, writing on the official website that the academy has become a second home for him over these past years.

“Time passes quickly and it has been eight years since we officially opened the Academy. With the passage of time I can say that it has become my second home and my sporting home. It is the place where I train and prepare for tournaments, the place where I spend the most time and where I want so many projects to come to fruition.”

He went on to thank the coaches, physical trainers, academic teachers, cleaning and service staff, as well as the administration and maintenance staff, writing,

“I am immensely proud of the work done by our coaches, physical trainers and academic teachers. But I am also excited to see the sacrificial work of each and every one of the people who make the Academy a reality: from the cleaning and service staff to the administration and maintenance staff. They all take care of every detail, striving for perfection in their day-to-day work, bearing real witness to the values we want to instill in the players. It is precisely these values that make this Academy a very special place.”

Rafael Nadal recently announced his retirement from the sport, with the Davis Cup in November scheduled to be his last event. The 38-year-old’s legendary career has seen him win 22 Grand Slam titles as well as two Olympic gold medals.

The Spaniard recently appeared at the Six Kings Slam in Riyadh, where he endured straight-set defeats to Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz, respectively.