Manacor, Mallorca – In what some fans are calling a “dream moment,” a young Serbian fan recently had the chance to meet tennis legend Rafael Nadal at his training base in Manacor, Spain — but not everyone is thrilled about where it happened.
Photos circulating online show Nadal shirtless and smiling as he signs a tennis ball and poses for a photo with the young fan inside the indoor training courts of the Rafa Nadal Academy. The girl, clutching her own racquet and a bright yellow ball, appeared thrilled, while other children waited in the background for their turn.
The post, originally shared by Rafael Nadal Fans, sparked an unexpected reaction online. Some Serbian fans expressed pride in seeing one of their own meet the Spanish icon, while others questioned why such moments don’t happen more often in Serbia itself.
“Imagine if Nadal visited Belgrade — the entire country would show up,” one fan commented.
“Beautiful moment, but why do we always have to travel to meet legends?” another added.
While the reaction has been mostly positive, the encounter has opened a broader conversation among tennis fans about access, regional appearances by global stars, and the rarity of such interactions outside their home countries.
Regardless of the chatter, for one young Serbian fan, this moment in Manacor is sure to remain unforgettable — a reminder of why Rafa remains one of the most admired athletes in the world, on and off the court.
