“I’m very grateful for the help”- Ukrainian tennis player Anastasia Lopota thanks Rafael Nadal’s academy for providing refuge amid war in her homeland

Anastasia Lopota and Rafael Nadal

As war rages on in Ukraine and it enters the second week of its war with Russia, innocent civilians had to bear the brunt of the consequences of the Russian invasions. With missiles raining down on the key cities including the capital, Kyiv, and troops surrounding the borders, millions of people have been forced to flee and seek refuge elsewhere.

This was the case for Ukrainian player Anastasia Lopota as well. The 17-year-old was competing at an ITF tournament in Lithuania when Russia announced an invasion of her homeland. With harrowing conditions in her country, Lopota was unable to return home. But she found refuge elsewhere when Rafael Nadal’s tennis academy took her under their wing and allowed her to train at their practice courts. In a recent Instagram post, Lopota revealed she was extremely grateful for the help she received and couldn’t have asked for more with such ‘excellent conditions’ to resume her tennis activities.

? Anastasiia Lopata ???? pic.twitter.com/ktY2T08F7J
— Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar (@rnadalacademy) March 11, 2022

“I’m very grateful for unforgettable help from Rafa Nadal Academy! When in Ukraine started the war and I was on ITF tournament and couldn’t come back home anymore Rafa Nadal academy provided excellent conditions for me so I can continue playing tennis. Gracias !” she posted along with snaps of her on the practice courts.

Rafael Nadal to begin bid for 4th title against Sebastian Korda

With already three titles this year, Nadal will be looking to add a fourth to his tally at the Indian Wells. The three-time winner is one of the favorites to win the tournament and extend his perfect start to the season. After receiving a bye in the opening round, Nadal will take on Sebastian Korda, who won his opener in straight sets against Thanasi Kokkinakis.

Korda has a huge challenge up ahead as Nadal is currently on a 15-0 winning streak and is yet to drop a set since the finals of the Australian Open. Nadal will be the overwhelming favorite to win this clash and maintain his flawless record for the season thus far. He faced Korda once before, which was at the 2020 French Open, where Nadal dispatched the American in straight sets. Korda will be hoping for a different outcome this time around but will be huge ask for the 21-year-old to pull off a win against Nadal, who is on a resurgent run this year.