Rafael Nadal makes a surprise visit to the 18 finalists (u12) of the 2025 Babolat Cup

The 18 young talents taking part this week in the Final Masters of the Babolat Cup — the European tennis tournament bringing together the future rising stars of tennis under the age of 12, organized by Babolat — were delighted to meet and speak with Rafael Nadal in person. An unforgettable memory and a tremendous source of motivation in their quest for the title.

Rafael Nadal, a historic member of the Babolat family since he was 9 years old, made a spectacular surprise visit to the participants of the Babolat Cup Final Masters, held at the Rafa Nadal Academy from December 8 to 11, in his hometown of Manacor (Balearic Islands). A moment of dialogue, sharing, and pure joy for the Majorcan champion and for the 18 participants, all under the age of 12 (9 girls, 9 boys).

The young tennis enthusiasts had the extraordinary privilege of meeting Rafael Nadal, winner of 22 Majors — including 14 titles in Paris on clay — 36 Masters 1000 tournaments, and five seasons finished as world number one (2008, 2010, 2013, 2017, and 2019).

Éric Babolat is extremely proud of this competition and its success: “Since the very beginning, we have supported the younger generation, just as we have done with Rafa since he was 9 years old. Today, it is a great pride to see the Babolat Cup finals hosted at his Academy. Through this competition, we pass on and share our know-how, nourished by more than 150 years of history, with tennis lovers who carry our colors to the four corners of the world.”

Created by Babolat in 2009 and dedicated to Europe’s most promising boys and girls under the age of 12, the Babolat Cup has an impressive track record. Among its past standouts is Carlos Alcaraz, winner of the 2017 edition. He would later become the youngest world number one in history (19 years and 4 months in September 2022), and was already playing at the time with the Pure Aero, having joined the Babolat family in 2013. Carlos Alcaraz’s presence on the competition’s honor roll gives the Babolat Cup tremendous credibility and helps make it an unmissable event for Europe’s most ambitious young prospects.

The 2025 edition gathered more than 3,200 participants, who competed across 48 initial stages held in nine different countries (France, Italy, United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, and for the first time, the Czech Republic and Sweden). Approved by national federations and now enjoying a strong reputation, the Babolat Cup has never attracted as many players (2,400 in 2024). Throughout the year, Babolat teams organized a national circuit in each participating country, hosted by partner clubs. This Final Masters brings together 18 qualified players: one girl and one boy per country. The overall winners will be awarded a week of training at the Rafa Nadal Academy.

Team babolat pro players may play with a customized or different model than the equipment depicted.