(Video) Rafael Nadal goes viral after being incredibly stressed during Real Madrid’s Copa del Rey comeback against Real Sociedad

Rafael Nadal has been tipped by many Spanish soccer outlets to replace Florentino Perez as Real Madrid president.

(Video) Rafael Nadal goes viral after being incredibly stressed during Real Madrid’s Copa del Rey comeback against Real Sociedad

Rafael Nadal was stressed (Images via X)

Tennis legend Rafael Nadal experienced a whirlwind of emotions as he watched Real Madrid’s dramatic Copa del Rey semi-final against Real Sociedad. A lifelong Madrid fan, Nadal was caught on camera celebrating Antonio Rudiger’s extra-time goal, which secured Madrid’s place in the final with a 5-4 aggregate win.

The match was filled with excitement and tension. Real Sociedad led 3-1 with just 10 minutes left in regular time, but Jude Bellingham and Aurelien Tchouameni pulled Madrid level. Mikel Oyarzabal then scored in stoppage time, forcing extra time and keeping fans on edge.

Nadal, known for staying calm under pressure on the tennis court, was just like any other Madrid supporter in the stands. He punched the air in joy after Rudiger’s goal, then quickly showed a look of relief as Madrid inched closer to victory.

With his team now in the final, the 22-time Grand Slam champion may be hoping to secure a ticket for the big match. Real Madrid will face either Barcelona or Atletico Madrid for the Copa del Rey title.

Rafael Nadal: The King Of Clay’s numbers on his favorite surface

Rafael Nadal’s legacy in tennis is defined by his dominance on clay. No player in history has been as successful on a single surface as Nadal has been on the red dirt. His incredible footwork, heavy topspin, and relentless fighting spirit made him nearly unbeatable on clay courts.

Rafael Nadal (2)
Rafael Nadal (Image via X)

His reign at the French Open is unmatched. Nadal won 14 titles at Roland Garros, securing 112 victories in 116 matches. Only three players—Robin Soderling, Novak Djokovic, and Alexander Zverev—managed to defeat him there. He never lost a final in five sets and won the title four times without dropping a set.

Beyond Paris, Nadal’s clay-court dominance extended worldwide. He holds the record for the longest winning streak on a single surface, with 81 consecutive victories on clay between 2005 and 2007. He also won multiple titles at Monte Carlo, Barcelona, and Rome, further cementing his status as the “King of Clay.”

Even in the final years of his career, Nadal remained a force on clay. Before his loss to Zverev in 2024, he had never lost back-to-back matches on the surface. His achievements on clay will likely never be matched, making his legacy one of the greatest in tennis history.

Rafael Nadal delivers a university masterclass

Former tennis star Rafael Nadal recently spoke at the Rafa Nadal University School, where he shared his views on how life and tennis are closely connected. He emphasized the importance of education in shaping a strong future for athletes. Nadal also discussed the mental strength needed to succeed and how sports have evolved with the support of multidisciplinary teams.

Rafael Nadal Served with Andy Roddick
Rafael Nadal (via Served with Andy Roddick YouTube)

What you see on the court is a reflection of your own life. I believe I’ve been a player with a strong sense of self-control and one who hasn’t allowed frustration to seep onto the court. When you possess these abilities, they enable you to find solutions. I used to travel only with my coach. However, in the last 10 to 15 years, players now travel with a broader team of specialized professionals. I often shared travels with my coach, physiotherapist, and communications head, and sometimes my agent. Other players might even include nutritionists, physical trainers, or psychologists

Rafael Nadal said at the Rafa Nadal University School

During his talk, the 22-time Grand Slam champion explained that what happens on the court reflects real life. He addressed students studying Physical Activity and Sport Science, along with those in related fields like Physiotherapy and Nutrition. Nadal shared his personal experiences, highlighting the physical and mental challenges that top athletes face.

He also spoke about the advancements in professional sports, especially in fitness, nutrition, and technology. Over the past two decades, sports have become more specialized and structured, helping athletes perform at their best.

The event was part of the Rafa Nadal University School’s educational model, which combines academics with real-world insights. It included a roundtable discussion featuring experts like Dr. Jose Lopez Chicharro, Domingo Rossello, Joaquin Juan, and Juan Ramon Heredia, who shared their knowledge on sports performance and athlete health.