RAFAEL NADAL ACADEMY HOSTS FIRST MEDITERRANEAN OPEN
The tennis academy is bringing the popular American sport to one of Europe's most elite racket clubs.
By David Judson · December 20, 2023 · News
UK Pros: Thaddea Lock, James Chaudry, Pei Chuan & Kao and Louis Laville. | Image Source: facebook.com/mediterraneanopenpickleball/photos
The Rafa Nadal Academy hosted its first-ever pickleball event, the Mediterranean Open, on December 8-10, 2023.
The tournament featured over 200 players from various nationalities. It offered participants a unique experience with accommodation within the sports complex and featured the finals on their prestigious Centre Court.
Building a tournament series similar to the Tennis Grand Slams.
Luis de Cristóbal, the Director of the Mediterranean Open, envisions hosting four tournaments yearly, similar to the Grand Slams in tennis. Hosting each event at a prestigious European tennis academy will raise the sport's profile.
"We have a series of four tournaments like the tennis Grand Slams," explained Cristobal.
Cristobal added: "If you mix venues like the Rafa Nadal Academy or Ferrero Tennis Academy, it will change the minds of people who see it as a sport only for old people."
The First Pickleball Court in Mallorca
Mallorca didn't have a pickleball court until the Rafa Nadal Academy built one, and now locals are interested in playing the sport. The academy is working to expand the sport by encouraging other clubs to build courts.
The academy hopes to host between 400 and 500 players at next year's tournament.
Tournament Format and Results
The tournament had three categories for players of different skill levels: Elite (for the most advanced players), Amateur (for intermediate players), and a special category for players over 55 called the "Jubilenial Tournament."
UK players won most of the top prizes, with Thaddea Lock, Pei Chuan Kao, James Chaudry, and Louis Laville each taking home two gold medals. These players dominated the European circuit in 2023, and their performance was impressive.
