Rafael Nadal’s sister, Maria Isabel, has long been a major supporter of the Spaniard’s tennis career and off-court endeavors. Three years younger than the 22-time Grand Slam champion, Maria (who also goes by the name Maribel) took to social media to post a high-definition picture of the now-retired Nadal in a typical serving pose under the well-known bull logo of his Manacor tennis academy.

Nadal’s facility is properly named The Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar. It has been fully operational since 2016, under the directorship of the sibling’s uncle, and Rafa’s long-time coach, Toni Nadal. Maribel played a part in the concept, making use of her master’s degree in Sports Management at the Pompeu Fabra University and currently serves as the academy’s Deputy General Manager.

Rafael Nadal’s playing career spanned three decades, during which he added 92 ATP singles titles to his 22 majors. His 15 French Open titles between 2005 and 2022 are unlikely to be matched. He’s one of only five champions to complete the career singles Golden Slam, alongside men’s players Novak Djokovic and Andre Agassi, and women’s players Steffi Graf and Serena Williams.

Nadal’s academy broke ground in November 2014 and was opened after a glitzy ceremony in October 2016. Assisting Toni Nadal in the academy’s running was Rafael Nadal’s agent Carlos Costa, with Rafa’s new coach and good friend Carlos Moya, a former ATP-ranked World No. 1 in his own right, assuming the role of Technical Director.

Maribel Nadal and Rafael Nadal’s close bond

After graduating, Maribel moved into sports management with several high-profile organizations, including Duet Sports and IMG, Banca Santander, and a communication agency called Producciones Komodo. She currently works in the Rafa Nadal Academy’s marketing department, overseeing the facility’s public relations – hence her gushing social media post.

Maribel doesn’t apologize for the closeness of her relationship with her brother, telling tennistonic.com that the special bond has always been present:

“He’s always urged me to come along when he goes out with his friends. It’s natural to us, even if others might sometimes find it strange. Most boys growing up see their younger sisters as irritations, especially when they are teenagers, but that has never been the way Rafael has treated me,” she said.

She’s not only offered professional support to Rafael Nadal but also claimed responsibility for introducing the Spaniard to Xisca Perello, his long-term girlfriend and now wife.