The Spanish player, just 20 years old, delivered an outstanding performance in Florida by reaching the quarterfinals of an ATP Masters 1000 for the first time, confirming his progress and establishing himself as one of the biggest prospects in international tennis.

Landaluce built his feat on wins over Top 20 players. In the round of 16, he produced a superb comeback against American Sebastian Korda, beating him 2-6, 7-6 (6) and 6-4 in a highly demanding match. Earlier, he had defeated Russia’s Karen Khachanov in the third round (6-3, 7-6(2)), Italy’s Luciano Darderi in the second (6-3, 6(4)-7, 6-4) in a match in which he hit 40 winners, and home player Marcos Giron on his debut (6-3, 7-6(5)). Only Czech Jiri Lehecka was able to stop Landaluce in Miami after a tight match (7-6(1) and 7-5) that lasted two hours and four minutes.

Best ATP ranking

The impact of this performance is reflected not only on court, but also in the history books. By reaching the quarterfinals, Landaluce became the first player born in 2006 or later to reach this round at a Masters 1000. In addition, his results allowed him to climb 46 places in the ATP rankings to No. 103, the best of his career.

This achievement reinforces an upward trajectory that was already pointing high. In 2025, Landaluce confirmed his growth with standout milestones such as the title at the Orleans Challenger (France), the semifinals in Olbia, qualifying for the Australian Open main draw, and reaching the second round of the Cincinnati Masters 1000. All of this also earned him a place at the 2025 ATP Next Gen Finals.

Rafa Nadal himself spoke very positively about the young Spaniard’s performance: “He’s taken a step forward. I think he has spectacular shots, and he has to keep improving a few small things that will make the difference.”

Congratulations, Martín, and as Rafa said: “On to the next challenges!”

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“In elite sport, as in engineering or any scientific discipline, talent is important, but never enough on its own,” explained the Spaniard, recognised following a proposal from the Faculty of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences. “Behind any achievement there is always a long process of preparation, analysis, constant work and continuous improvement. Values such as rigour, the pursuit of excellence, teamwork and commitment deeply connect with what we experience in professional sport.”

“Throughout my career I have received different honours, but those that come from the academic world have a special meaning, because they represent the respect of an institution dedicated to knowledge, education and the progress of society,” Nadal acknowledged, having previously been honoured by the European University of Madrid (2015) and by the University of Salamanca (2025).

At an institution dedicated to educating the next generations, the Mallorcan highlighted the importance of effort, daily improvement and determination to learn in the most difficult moments. A mindset that allowed him to achieve excellence in sport without ever abandoning the most admirable values.

“Having short-, medium- and long-term goals is essential. To achieve them, you need to get up every day with enthusiasm and the determination to give your very best,” he said. “Along the way, we all go through difficult moments. It’s precisely in those moments that it becomes most important to maintain a positive attitude and keep working, often without immediate results. It is in that constant effort that, almost without realising it, improvement begins.”

Handling success

Rafa encouraged those present to keep their feet on the ground, to treat success as just another ingredient along the way, and to put simplicity above anything else.

“Success, for its part, can be deceptive. It’s essential to always maintain humility and self-criticism. Success is fleeting and should not distract from the work. Listening to the team, accepting mistakes and continuing to improve is key. Even in moments of greatest success, there is always room for improvement.”

“In the end, achieving goals requires time, perseverance, continuous adjustments and sustained commitment over years. Success doesn’t come quickly or by chance,” he added. “Since I was a child in Mallorca, I learned that progress doesn’t come through big changes, but through small daily improvements: hitting the ball a little better, understanding the game better, learning from every win and every loss,” he said, before leaving a final message for the youngest.

“To students, I’d like to tell you to trust your talent, but above all your ability to work. Make the most of every opportunity, don’t be afraid to make mistakes, and always stay consistent and humble. You have the ability to make a difference.”

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Gemma Triay and Delfi Brea successfully defended the title they won in 2025 in the women’s draw, while Arturo Coello and Agustín Tapia claimed the trophy in the men’s competition after prevailing in a final of the highest level.

Following the final, Gemma Triay highlighted the importance of teamwork as the key to their success: “Thank you, team, for always believing at every moment. So much joy and a fantastic week in Cancún. A wonderful tournament and outstanding treatment. Congratulations!” The two-time Cancún champion also praised the tournament conditions: “Having everything in one place — the hotel and the facilities — is very convenient for us. Being at the Academy is always special and it’s a source of pride to represent it wherever we go. It’s the tournament where I feel most at home.”
. It’s the tournament where I feel most at home”.

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The tournament, held in a prime venue for major sporting events such as the Grand Palladium Select Costa Mujeres and TRS Coral complex, brought together the top players on the professional circuit throughout the week. They enjoyed an environment that combines high-performance facilities with a premium hospitality and experiential offering. For the second consecutive year, Cancún hosted a Premier Padel event, further establishing itself as one of the standout stops on the international calendar.

Paula Josemaría, finalist alongside Bea González in the women’s draw, described the tournament as “spectacular”: “We have everything we need. As a player, I’m very happy to compete here and, of course, being in Cancún, at Rafa’s facilities, is very special for me.”

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Meanwhile, Bea González, making her debut at the Rafa Nadal Tennis Center Costa Mujeres, said: “I’m really impressed by everything. The facilities are outstanding. For anyone who loves sport, this is an ideal tournament to come and enjoy.”

This event joins other premier tournaments recently held at Rafa Nadal Academy facilities around the world, such as the FIP World Cup Pairs 2025 held in Kuwait—awarded as best professional padel tournament—or the FIP Bronze organized earlier this year in Manacor, reinforcing its positioning as one of the major drivers

In addition, the Academy’s active presence in competitions such as the Hexagon Cup — in which it has participated again in its third edition — and its association with top-level players like Gemma Triay and Franco Stupaczuk, both ambassadors of the project, help consolidate a strong strategy for the sport’s development and international visibility.

The Rafa Nadal Academy continues to drive the growth of padel both through player development and through the organization of competitions that strengthen its global projection.

The Premier Padel Cancún P2 has already become a must-attend event on the international sports calendar and a true padel celebration in the Mexican Caribbean, reaffirming the Rafa Nadal Academy’s commitment to the growth and internationalisation of the sport.

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All week long, the event will turn the Rafa Nadal Tennis Center Costa Mujeres into the epicentre of international padel. In addition to the tournament matches, fans will be able to enjoy a range of activities and experiences within the Grand Palladium Select Costa Mujeres and TRS Coral complex, as well as hospitality programmes and entertainment options that will complement the sporting spectacle in a setting that combines high-performance sports facilities with premium hotel and service offerings.

In the women’s competition, the standout name is Gemma Triay, ambassador of the Rafa Nadal Academy, who returns to Cancún alongside Delfi Brea to defend the title they won in the 2025 edition. Meanwhile, in the men’s draw, the leading pairs include Arturo Coello and Agustín Tapia, Alejandro Galán and Federico Chingotto, Franco Stupaczuk, Academy ambassador, and Mike Yanguas, as well as Juan Lebrón and Leo Augsburger.

Maribel Nadal, Deputy General Manager of the Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar, highlighted the importance of the tournament returning to Costa Mujeres: “Hosting a Premier Padel event at our facilities again reinforces our commitment to padel and its international reach. After last year’s very positive experience, we’re delighted to welcome this P2 back to the Rafa Nadal Tennis Center Costa Mujeres. We appreciate the trust of the promoter Jorge Mañé and Palladium, as well as the excellent feedback from the players, which encourages us to keep growing and working to establish this tournament as a regular fixture on the international calendar.”

Hosting the Premier Padel Cancún P2 strengthens the positioning of the Rafa Nadal Tennis Center Costa Mujeres, which was the first of the eight international centres to join the Academy in Manacor worldwide, paving the way for Kuwait, Greece, Hong Kong, Egypt, Marbella and Punta Cana to follow.

So much so that the players who competed in the 2025 edition were amazed by the facilities at the Rafa Nadal Tennis Center Costa Mujeres. “It’s a luxury to have everything in the same venue, in a wonderful hotel and two minutes from the courts,” said Gemma Triay. Martita Ortega echoed that sentiment, highlighting the overall tournament experience: “Expectations were high, but the tournament exceeded them by far. The hotel is incredible and it’s been like a dream. Playing here is very special, and being in places linked to Rafa makes us feel at home.” For her part, Lucía Sainz wanted to highlight the emotional side of the event: “The tournament has been impressive. The promoter, Jorge Mañé, has made a titanic effort. It’s a tournament that touches your heart.” Finally, Aranzazu Osoro didn’t hesitate to describe the tournament as “a dream”.

The Premier Padel Cancún P2 has already become a must-attend event on the international sports calendar and a true padel celebration in the Mexican Caribbean, reaffirming the Rafa Nadal Academy’s commitment to the growth and internationalisation of the sport.

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The Italian circuit of the Rafa Nadal Academy Padel Tour will feature six tournaments in the country’s main cities. The confirmed venues are Turin (April 10-12), Ancona (April 24-26), Rome (May 22-24), Milan (June 12-14), Naples (June 26-28), and Florence (September 18-20) before culminating with the grand final to be held at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca, where the best teams from the international circuits will also converge.

This amateur circuit, which brought together 800 players in Italy in 2025, maintains the innovative team format inspired by the competition promoted by the Hexagon Cup. Each team will consist of a minimum of six players, who will form three pairs to compete in each round. In each tournament, all teams will be guaranteed to play at least two matches, thus promoting participation, competitiveness, and the social experience of the event.

At each venue, two men’s and two women’s categories will be contested, adapted to different skill levels, allowing amateur players of different profiles to form teams and compete for victory in their city. The champion teams from each event will enter the draw for spots to compete in the international grand final in Mallorca.

In 2026, the amateur circuit promoted by the Rafa Nadal Academy will have Holafly as a partner for the circuit in Italy, thus strengthening its presence in one of the markets where padel has experienced the greatest growth in recent years. This partnership will enhance the players’ experience throughout the tour, providing services and activations aimed at an increasingly international and connected community of athletes.

Maribel Nadal, deputy general director of the academy, has valued this announcement very positively: “The growth of padel in Italy is spectacular and we are pleased to continue developing our circuit in a country that is embracing this sport. This is something we also notice at the academy in Mallorca, where we welcome many players weekly who come from different cities in Italy to play, train, and compete.”

The consolidation of the Rafa Nadal Academy Padel Tour is part of the expansion strategy of the Rafa Nadal Academy in the field of padel, a discipline in which the academy has world-class facilities and training programs for both youth and adults. With this circuit, the academy continues to spread its values, methodology, and sporting DNA within the growing international amateur padel ecosystem.

With venues in several countries and a constantly growing community of players, the Rafa Nadal Academy Padel Tour continues to establish itself as a global circuit that combines competition, sport, and experience, bringing the spirit of the Academy to new cities and new players each season.

The circuit is also supported by Babolat, the tournament’s strategic partner and one of the leading international brands in padel. Participants will receive Babolat products in their welcome packs, while the winners will be awarded Babolat rackets.

Schedule and venues of the Rafa Nadal Academy Padel Tour Italy 2026:

Each year, more and more players from Italy participate in the padel programs held weekly in Manacor, attracted by the training methodology and high-performance environment offered by the academy. This tour will further strengthen ties with a country where Rafa himself achieved very special milestones during his sporting career.

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Eala climbs three positions from her previous ranking, where she stood at No. 32, confirming her steady progression among the best players on the tour.

The Filipina’s rise comes after a strong start to the 2026 season, in which she has recorded several notable results on the WTA circuit. Eala was a semifinalist at the ASB Classic in Auckland, reached the quarterfinals at the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open presented by Abu Dhabi Sports Council and at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, and advanced to the Round of 16 at the most recent BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, one of the most prestigious tournaments on the calendar. In the first Grand Slam of the season, the Australian Open, the Filipina fell in the opening round.

Return to Miami, where it all began

After her time in California, Eala now returns to Miami, a very special venue for her promising career, as it was there that one of the most remarkable breakthroughs in recent women’s tennis began.

In 2025, the Filipina arrived at the Miami Open thanks to a wildcard from the tournament organizers when she was ranked No. 140 in the world. Few could have predicted that she would leave the United States as one of the biggest sensations on the tour after defeating players such as Jelena Ostapenko and Madison Keys, both Grand Slam champions.

The 2025 Miami Open also set up a very special match for Eala when she faced Iga Swiatek, then the world No. 2. Two years earlier, the Polish star had attended Alex’s graduation ceremony at the Rafa Nadal Academy, invited by Rafa Nadal himself, during an emotional event held in Manacor.

In Miami, the two players met again on court and Eala produced another memorable performance, winning 6–2, 7–5 to secure a historic place in the semifinals of the tournament.

It was in Miami where the wider tennis audience truly began to take notice of Eala, although the Filipina had already made a name for herself on the junior circuit. In 2020, at just 14 years old, she won the Australian Open Junior doubles title alongside Priska Nugroho. A year later, she also captured the Roland Garros Junior title, confirming her status as one of the brightest prospects in world tennis.

In 2022, she made history by winning the US Open Junior singles title, becoming the first Filipina to claim a Grand Slam title in the junior category. Since then, she has continued to consolidate her professional career: in 2023 she won several ITF titles, and in 2024 she secured her first victory in the main draw of a WTA 1000 event at the Mutua Madrid Open, as well as lifting a W100 title in Vitoria-Gasteiz.

Currently coached by Joan Bosch, the Filipina continues to make steady strides among the elite of world tennis, and at the 2025 US Open she achieved another milestone by recording the first main draw victory for a Filipina player at a Grand Slam tournament.

Her historic rise into the Top 30 of the WTA rankings confirms the consolidation of a player who has already become a reference for sport in the Philippines and who continues to push the boundaries of what once seemed possible. And, as her journey so far suggests, the best chapters of Alex Eala’s story are still yet to be written.

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The event got underway on Friday with a professional padel exhibition at Raquet X, which served as the official curtain-raiser for the tournament. Fans were able to enjoy a high-level match featuring Ramiro Moyano and “Pincho” Fernández, who faced Guga Vázquez, current No. 6 in the USPA ranking, and Javier Barahona, world No. 21. The exhibition gave participants and attendees the chance to experience top-level professional padel up close in a day that marked the beginning of the amateur competition.

Throughout the weekend, the 100 participants competed in an atmosphere that combined sport, competition, and leisure—hallmarks of the Rafa Nadal Academy Padel Tour since its inception. The circuit, promoted by the Rafa Nadal Academy, continues to establish itself as one of the most attractive amateur padel experiences for players of all levels.

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Following the inaugural tournament in Miami, the Rafa Nadal Academy Padel Tour USA by Playtomic will travel to Austin (Padel 39) from April 24 to 26, later returning to Florida to be held at Ultra Padel Miami from May 8 to 10, and will culminate with a major final event at Reserve New York, in the heart of Manhattan.

The arrival of the Rafa Nadal Academy Padel Tour in the United States represents a new step in the circuit’s international expansion, which, after establishing itself in Spain and beginning its development in Italy, continues to expand its presence in new markets. This expansion is carried out alongside Playtomic, the world’s leading app for racket sports players and clubs, which acts as the circuit’s strategic partner in its global growth.

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The Rafa Nadal Academy Padel Tour reinforces its global character and in 2026, in addition to Miami, Austin, and New York, it will visit the main cities in Spain (Santander, Madrid, Gijón, Jerez, Valladolid, Estepona, Seville, and Valencia) and Italy (Rome, Milan, Naples, Florence, Turin, and Ancona), before the final event in Manacor.

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Following the success of its first two editions in Spain and the recent launch of the circuit in Italy, the Rafa Nadal Academy Padel Tour continues its international expansion and now arrives in the United States in partnership with Playtomic, the world’s leading app for racket sports players and clubs.

Exhibition featuring world padel stars

In addition to enjoying the competition, players registered for the Miami opening event and padel fans will be able to enjoy a unique spectacle featuring some of the biggest names in professional padel.

On Friday, March 13, at 6:00 PM local time, a special exhibition will take place during the first day of the event, featuring top-level players from the international circuit. Ramiro Moyano and “Pincho” Fernández will face Guga Vázquez, currently No. 6 in the USPA ranking, and Javier Barahona, currently No. 21 in the world ranking. Moyano, who previously reached the top ranks of the world padel circuit, will be one of the main attractions of an exhibition that will allow participants and fans to experience professional padel up close.

A key step in international expansion

The Rafa Nadal Academy Padel Tour USA by Playtomic calendar will feature four tournaments across the United States. After the opening event in Miami, the circuit will travel to Austin (Padel 39) from April 24 to 26, then return to Florida for an event at Ultra Padel Miami from May 8 to 10 and will culminate with a major final tournament at Reserve New York, in the heart of Manhattan.
The arrival of the circuit in the United States represents a new milestone in the international expansion strategy of the Rafa Nadal Academy Padel Tour, at a time when padel is experiencing significant growth in North America.

For this expansion, the Rafa Nadal Academy is supported by the strategic partnership with Playtomic, which helps connect players and clubs around the world through its technology and contributes to the global growth of racket sports.

The circuit is also supported by Babolat, the tournament’s strategic partner and one of the leading international brands in padel. Participants will receive Babolat products in their welcome packs, while the winners will be awarded Babolat rackets.

A growing global circuit

The arrival in the United States further expands the international reach of the Rafa Nadal Academy Padel Tour, which in 2026 will continue to visit some of Spain’s main cities such as Santander, Madrid, Gijón, Jerez, Valladolid, Estepona, Seville and Valencia, before culminating with the Grand Final at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Manacor.

At the same time, the Italian circuit will continue to grow with tournaments in Rome, Milan, Naples, Florence, Turin and Ancona, with its final stage also taking place in Mallorca.

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The calendar for the Rafa Nadal Academy Padel Tour USA by Playtomic will consist of four heats: it will kick off in Miami from 13 to 15 March at the “Padel X” club, followed by a stop from 24 to 26 April at “Padel 39” in Austin. The third event will take place at “Ultra Padel Miami” from 8 to 10 May, and the tour will conclude at “Reserve New York”, in the heart of Manhattan.

For this expansion, the Rafa Nadal Academy will enjoy the strategic support of Playtomic , the largest community of racket sport players and clubs, which, through its app, streamlines court bookings, encourages connections between players, and allows everyone to focus fully on the enjoyment of the game. At a time of rapid growth for padel in North America, this alliance strengthens the circuit’s international ambitions and its capacity to establish itself in key markets. The partnership with Babolat will also play a key role, as the brand has positioned itself as a strategic partner of the circuit and one of its main attractions for participants. Players will receive Babolat products in their Welcome Packs, and the winners will be awarded Babolat racquets.

Maribel Nadal, Deputy General Manager of the Rafa Nadal Academy, was very positive in her appraisal of the new step: “After the great reception we’ve had in Spain and the start of the circuit in Italy, taking the leap to the United States is a very important step for us. Padel is growing spectacularly in this market and doing this with a strategic partner like Playtomic allows us to continue bringing our methodology, our values, and our approach to competition to new players and new communities”.

Maribel was accompanied at the event by Franco Stupaczuck, world number 5 in the padel rankings; Mr. Alberto Tomé, Director General of Sports for the Community of Madrid; and Ezequiel Garay, former footballer and owner of the G24 club.

Laura Rivas, Director of Sponsorships at Playtomic, stated: “Our mission is to drive the global growth of racket sports through technology and, for that reason, we’re particularly excited to accompany and support the Rafa Nadal Academy upon its arrival in the United States. We’re confident in this format, which strengthens the community and brings competition to new players in a country that is key to the future of padel”.

The arrival in the USA is another step in the internationalisation of the Rafa Nadal Academy Padel Tour, which in 2026 will continue touring some of the country’s main cities such as Santander, Madrid, Gijón, Cadiz, Valladolid, Estepona, Seville and Valencia, before reaching the final event at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Manacor. Meanwhile, the circuit in Italy, which will also culminate in Mallorca, will stop in Rome, Milan, Naples, Florence, Turin and Ancona.

Since opening in 2016 in Manacor, the Rafa Nadal Academy has been renowned for training world-class tennis players. The Academy has also made a strong commitment to padel, developing training programmes for both young people and adults at its state-of-the-art facilities, which include nine outdoor and ten indoor courts. Its fitness centre, pioneering health and wellness spaces, a wide range of dining options, and modern accommodation have all contributed to making the Rafa Nadal Academy an ideal place for playing padel. All of this has created the perfect environment for the development of young talent as well as for adults who wish to enjoy a unique experience in a setting designed for both high performance and the enjoyment of sport.

With the arrival of the Rafa Nadal Academy Padel Tour in the United States with the help of Playtomic and its consolidation in Europe, thousands of players will be able to enjoy an amateur championship that is making waves both in Spain and abroad.

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The circuit will consist of four events in Manacor (Mallorca), home of the Rafa Nadal Academy, and two tournaments at the Rafa Nadal Tennis Center in Marbella, located at the iconic Don Carlos Marbella.

All events will be part of the official ITF World Tennis Masters Tour calendar, the International Tennis Federation’s international circuit for players over 30.

2026 tournament calendar at the Mallorca and Marbella venues:

MT200 Manacor: December 28 to January 2

MT100 Marbella: April 6 to 12

MT200 Manacor: May 11 to 17

MT100 Marbella: September 21 to 27

MT400 Manacor: October 12 to 18

MT700 Manacor – December 14 to 20

True to its mission of organizing benchmark competitions and creating opportunities for players worldwide, the Academy is consolidating its role as one of the great drivers of tennis across all categories. This schedule offers a continuous competitive proposal throughout the season, culminating in one of the circuit’s highest-category tournaments, the MT700.

Marbella, a strategic double date on the international calendar

Within the new circuit, Marbella will play a prominent role by hosting two tournaments at key moments of the 2026 season:

The strategic choice of April and September takes advantage of optimal weather conditions and offers competitive continuity within the ITF World Tennis Masters Tour calendar. Holding both events at the Rafa Nadal Tennis Center Marbella reinforces the circuit’s international experience, combining official competition, world-class facilities, and a highly attractive tourist environment. Players aged 40 and over will be eligible to compete in the first Marbella event.

Players competing in Marbella will enjoy an experience that goes beyond the tennis courts. In addition to playing their matches at the excellent Rafa Nadal Tennis Center Marbella facilities, tournament participants can stay at the iconic Don Carlos Marbella, a benchmark of elegance and comfort on the beachfront. All this in an international destination that combines a privileged climate, a Mediterranean lifestyle, and a unique setting, making every tournament an unforgettable sporting and personal experience.

To register and participate in any tournament belonging to the International Tennis Federation (ITF) circuit, you must have an International Player Identification Number (IPIN). It is essential for all players to register for the tournament with their IPIN through the official ITF website.

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