Pietro Razzini
Sofia has just finished training. “A couple of hours. A few exchanges. I want to keep myself in training.” Sneakers, classic tennis outfit, bag with rackets and balls a few steps from the chair and Rafa Nadal Academy sweatshirt.
Yes, because Sofia Carpi, from Parma, born in 2006, has just returned to her city after four intense years living in Mallorca, in the training center of the great Spanish champion. It must not have been easy for mum Katy and dad Michele to see her leave when she was only 13 years old. Yet she knew it would be the right path to take: «An opportunity arose by chance: I was playing an “Open” at the Circolo del Castellazzo and I found myself involved in an internship at Rafa’s Academy. Joel Figueras, supervisor for the organizing reality, noticed me and proposed an offer to my parents to train me.” That day Sofia not only won the tournament but also a ticket to the Balearics: «In 48 hours I made my decision: I wanted to pursue my dream of becoming a professional player».
Was it not possible in Italy?
“It was definitely more complicated. Here, sport is seen as an alternative to studying. There, I was able to reconcile both commitments with the right dedication, in an environment where tennis has the same value as school.”
Were the beginnings difficult?
«I was very young, alone, without knowing English or Spanish well. Today I speak four languages, I have met kids from many different countries, I have played tournaments all over the world and I have had the opportunity to grow up in a healthy environment.”
How did you spend your days at the Academy?
«In the morning we played tennis and strengthened our bodies with specific work in the gym. In the afternoon he studied. In addition to the body, he placed a lot of emphasis on mental preparation. The presence of a sports psychologist helped in times of stress or anxiety. It was also useful for me even if, in some cases, I tried to recover from difficult moments only with my own strength.”
Were there any?
«A few too many injuries have lowered morale: tennis is a lonely sport. We must have the strength to react to this inevitable situation too.”
Because we travel all the time, right?
«In my fourth and last year in Spain, I spent more time in hotels than in my room in Mallorca».
By the way, who did he share his room with?
«I often changed partners: it was the way to feel more united, like a big family. When I arrived we were only four Italians. I’m happy to have lived the entire journey with two great tennis players and excellent friends: Noemi Basiletti and Jacopo Vasamì.”
The journey ended with a spectacular presentation of diplomas.
«It was exciting. I received a very high mark: she filled me and my parents, who were present at the ceremony, with pride. Despite being many kilometers away, they were present, giving me my space and leaving me with the right responsibilities. I still have the final photo taken with Carlos Moya and Rafa Nadal in my eyes.”
What relationship did you have with these champions?
«Rafa lives a few minutes from the Academy, I saw him almost daily, I trained alongside him: by example he taught me respect for the game and for the opponent. Among my coaches there was also Toni Nadal, Rafa’s uncle and former coach.”
And now?
«I will stay in Parma for just over a month and then I will leave again. Destination Miami. Nova Southeastern University is waiting for me. I will play for their college, I will play international tournaments to enter the world ranking and I will attend classes for 4 years. I can’t wait”.
