Great gesture! Rafael Nadal fulfills the world's oldest tennis player's dream
Rafael Nadal made a lifelong dream come true for 97-year-old Leonid Stanislavskyi. The 20-time Grand Slam winner played a point at the Rafael Nadal Academy with the oldest tennis player in the world.
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit:
Oct 30, 2021, 10:05 pm
Leonid Stanislavskyi has one problem above all. The Ukrainian finds it incredibly difficult to find opponents in his age group. This is hardly surprising, given that Stanislavskyi, at 97 years of age, is the oldest tennis player on the planet. The Guinness Book of World Records recently confirmed this in black and white. As befits his standing, this brought the Ukrainian a lot of attention. Also from 20-time major winner Rafael Nadal, who unceremoniously invited the 97-year-old to his academy after he had previously participated in a tournament.
There Leonid Stanislavskyi did not allow himself to be asked twice this weekend and promptly challenged the Mallorcan to a duel: "Can I play a point with you," asked the warrior. Nadal: "Of course." And the Ukrainian impressively demonstrated his qualities. With the point with idol Rafael Nadal, Leonid Stainislavskyi fulfilled his lifelong dream at the proud 97 years. He has been active as a tennis player for more than half a century.
Rafael Nadal is currently working in his academy on his comeback on the ATP tour after the Spaniard had to end the 2021 season early due to a foot injury before the US Open. The 35-year-old returned to the court a few days ago. The big goal of the 20-time Grand Slam winner is undoubtedly the Australian Open at the start of the year.