MANACOR, November 16, 2016

The Rafael Nadal Academy in Manacor will host Spain’s National Tennis Championships held from 12 to 18 December 2016. It will be the 103rd edition for men as well as the 89th edition for women.

“My future is here,” said Nadal during the  official opening ceremony in October, which was also attended by Roger Federer, ATP Executive Chairman Christ Kermode, ITF President David Haggerty as well as Wimbledon Chairman Phillip Brook. “I don’t imagine myself living away from Mallorca. The sport is my passion and creating this tennis academy is the most important part. You can also play lots of different sports here. I believe this is a centre that kids need. I will be very involved.

“There is also an international school, which is important to maintain the academic schedule. The team of coaches here [directed by Toni Nadal] have a lot of experience in our professional sport and, also, the knowledge to teach the kids that train at the academy. I’d like to make this a centre of tennis for everyone around the world.”

World No. 14 Roberto Bautista-Agut and the current No. 30 in the ATP Rankings, Pablo Carreno-Busta will come to Mallorca, having already announced their participation in the event. Steven Diez is the defending champion, as he won the final 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 against youngster Jaume Munar in Sant Joan Despí last December. Tita Torró captured the women’s title. The Alicante resident led 2-6, 7-6, 1-0 when her opponent Lourdes Dominguez was forced to retire due to injury.