From Nadal’s advice to Alcaraz’s: This is how Landaluce intends to promote in 2025 | ATP Tour

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From Nadal’s advice to Alcaraz’s: This is how Landaluce intends to promote in 2025

The Spaniard talks about the support of his legendary compatriots

December 19, 2024

Emerging #NextGenATP star Martin Landaluce takes his seat at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah with a smile on his face as he looks out over the athletics track. The 18-year-old Spaniard, who is performing in Saudi Arabia as a reserve for the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF, talks about his emergence this season where he has won his first ATP Challenger Tour title in addition to signing his first ATP Tour victory.

Before preparing to head towards the next chapter of his journey in Canberra (Australia) to start the 2025 season, in Jeddah he has the opportunity to reflect on his incredible rise, a path in which the legend of his country Rafael Nadal also has something to see.

In Madrid, his place of origin, tennis was more than a passion for Landaluce, it was a family affair. His father, Alejandro, still participates in the ITF Seniors circuit and tennis has been a presence in Martín’s life since he could walk. As a child, he trained with his mother, Elena, on the doubles court, while his cousins ​​Lucas and Alejandra trained with their father. Afterwards, Martín spent some time playing with his father, long enough for him to continue nurturing his love for this sport.

It didn’t take long for Martín’s talent to come to light. At 9 years old, he was already competing in junior tournaments and at 14 years old he was considered one of the young Spaniards with the brightest future. That was the same year in which Landaluce stumbled upon the Nadal universe.

“I grew up watching Rafa and we talked about him at home, commenting on his games at dinner,” remembers Landaluce. “When I was eight or nine years old, I was glued to the television, watching every one of their games. Then, at 14, I played with him for the first time. It was incredible, jumping on the floor with someone you’ve idolized for years. “It was very inspiring.”

For many young players, having Nadal in front of them could be a reason for blocking due to nerves. Not so for Landaluce, who put all those sensations aside in their first training session together at the Rafa Nadal Academy in 2020.

“It was pure emotion,” Landaluce continued his story. “I don’t usually get nervous in those situations. But fighting with Rafa was something more. His power, his consistency, was something I had not seen. For the first ten minutes, he doesn’t care if he misses, but then he doesn’t miss a shot for the next hour. He hit each ball with the perfect depth, a meter or two above the net. “It was incredible.”

Nadal’s impact goes beyond the court. The Spaniard has become a mentor for Landaluce, giving him valuable advice and warning him about the ups and downs of the professional circuit.

“I am very grateful for everything Rafa has done for me,” added Landaluce. “He has given me a lot of advice and I have learned a lot from him. “It’s been amazing spending time with him.”

Although Nadal is a prominent figure in Spanish tennis, at 21 years old Carlos Alcaraz emerged as the new face of success in this sport. Landaluce, however, finds Alcaraz as close and willing to help as Nadal. The two have forged a nice bond over the years and have trained together.

“I have a very good relationship with Carlos,” he reveals. “We have been in contact for years and have the same manager. When I met him, I realized that he had his feet on the ground. It was at the Masters 1000 in Madrid and everyone wanted to take photos with him, but he was very calm. I was surprised how normal it was. He’s an amazing guy and I think that’s part of the reason for his success. We played together for the first time in Madrid 2022, when I was a sparring partner.”

_{^{Martin Landaluce in Jeddah. Photo: Corinne Dubreuil/ATP Tour}}

Landaluce’s career has seen a steady rise. After winning the US Open in the junior category in 2022, he took a big leap in March 2024, signing his first ATP Tour victory at the Miami Masters 1000, where he defeated Jaume Munar in three sets.

“It was an incredible feeling to win in Miami,” confessed Landaluce, who had his family cheering on the track. “My cousins, who study in the United States, came to see me and my parents were there too. It was a special moment to share with them. I was quite nervous during the game, but I handled it well. And then I had the opportunity to play against Ben Shelton. It was an unforgettable week.”

Miami’s victory was a springboard in Landaluce’s confidence. After reaching the semifinals in several ATP Challenger tournaments, the Spaniard won his first crown in October in Olbia (Italy). It wasn’t easy, as the Spaniard had to deal with illness throughout the week.

“It was a difficult week physically because I was very sick with the flu,” Landaluce warned. “But I had to adapt my game to deal with it. I didn’t have my usual energy, so I focused on being solid and consistent. Despite everything, I played at a high level and managed to win the title. “It was a mental challenge, but it taught me to adapt and overcome obstacles.”

Off the court, Landaluce is also passionate about finding balance in his life. He learned to disconnect from tennis with hobbies such as playing the guitar, boxing, listening to musicians and even rapping with his family. His varied interests help him recharge his batteries and stay focused when he has the racket in his hand again.

“I try to do many things outside of tennis,” he noted. “I’m learning to play the guitar, I love listening to music and I like to dance with my family. I like to read and try new things like diving. “I think it helps me focus and makes me happy, which I think has made me a better player lately.”

“It is a great motivation to be here, training with these incredible players,” he said of his presence in Jeddah. “It is an honor to be part of this group. “I am enjoying every moment and I am looking forward to seeing where this path takes me.”

With a firm step, great maturity for his age and the support of some of the great players in history, Landaluce is prepared to leave his mark both in 2025 and in the coming years.