Dani Rincón: “Being so close to Rafa really motivates me”

After a hugely successful junior career, Dani Rincón, who honed his trade at the Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar, has made the leap to the professional tour, where has now claimed his first ITF titles. While the trophies he won at the Orange Bowl and at the US Open are still cherished memories, Dani is now looking to the future and his most pressing challenge; his appearance at the Rafa Nadal Open by Sotheby’s International Realty.

 

 

One year ago, you won the Junior US OPEN, what are your memories of those magical days in New York and your return to Mallorca?

 

They were incredible days in New York. As well as the enjoyment of playing there and the good tennis I managed to play, I loved the atmosphere and being able to experience a Grand Slam from the inside, sharing facilities with the best players in the world. It was really amazing.

When I got back to Mallorca it was unforgettable. All my colleagues and friends from the Academy were there to welcome me and then all week there were really amazing events and acknowledgements that I’ll remember forever.

 

Now that it is over, how do you feel looking back on your junior career, which included unforgettable moments like the Orange Bowl, the Wimbledon final and several titles?

 

I think it was much better than I could have imagined when I was 14 or 15 years old and starting to play on the international junior circuit. I always dreamed of being able to play the Orange Bowl in Miami and the Grand Slams, but I didn’t imagine I would do so well. That period really helped me find confidence in myself, but I’m also aware that the most difficult things are yet to come and this is just the start of my journey.

 

After your time on the junior circuit, you’re enjoying some of your best tennis, how important was winning your first professional tournament?

 

Winning my first title was very important because I had reached a number of consecutive semi-finals in ITF tournaments but I couldn’t get to the final round. It seemed like an increasingly big mountain to climb, but I finally managed to reach my first final and ended the week in the best way possible with my first title. But the best thing about it is the level of my tennis that I maintained in training and competition. I was struggling to find enough consistency to allow me to win tournaments and I finally did it.

 

Another victory followed the first and then another final. How would you sum up that magical month?

 

I think the second victory was largely due to the confidence I got from winning the previous week. Realising that I was able to do it and that my level is good enough to made me calmer during tense moments the following week and I was able to maintain the high level I had in the previous week. Besides the results, my greatest satisfaction was being able to apply everything we’ve been working on at the academy during training and to produce my best.

 

You reached three consecutive finals, but you had to withdraw from the final against your colleague and friend Abdullah, with whom you’ve experienced so many things, both personal and professional.

 

It was difficult having to retire because it was a match against a good friend that I was really looking forward to. Also, it was a great chance to win my third consecutive title and I thought I was playing well enough to do it, but health circumstances meant I was unable to compete and that was tough for me. Even so, I think it was a very positive week and I’m keen to continue in the same vein.

 

It was a special year, during which you appeared in the documentary at the Academy. What did that recording and the subsequent presentation at the Academy with Rafa mean to you?

 

It really was amazing to form part of the documentary at the academy. People were able to see a little more about our life and how incredible it is to be here. Also, it’s something that in the future will always help me remember how lucky I was to be able to form part of this academy.

 

It seems that Rafa really holds you dear and always looks out for you. What does that mean to you?

 

I think it’s so special that I struggle to find the words to describe it. That your idol since you were little looks out for you so much and tries to help you and teach you things is incredible. I try to make the most of it as much as possible. Being so close to Rafa really motivates me to try and always give my best and make him proud of my work.

 

Last year you made your debut on the Challenger Tour here in Mallorca. What did that mean to you?

 

It was my first experience on this tour and a great test that I learnt a lot from. It was my first tournament after several months injured and I think it was the perfect tournament to return to

competition at. I remember a very tough match where I ended up losing in the third set, but I took a lot of lessons from it and I think they helped me.

 

 

This year, you’re playing the Rafa Nadal Open again. What does it mean to you to play a tournament that bears his name, at your “home in the Academy” and in front of your home fans?

 

This is the tournament that I’m most excited about all year. Being able to play at home in front of all the people I spend my daily life with is special. Also, it’ll be a very special tournament with a very high level and a great challenge where I’ll try to give my best.

I’ve already played several tournaments at the academy and the atmosphere is always incredible, so I can’t wait for it and to be able to play in it.

 

What are Dani Rincón’s goals for the coming year?

 

My main goal is to start playing in Grand Slam qualifiers. I still need more points to be able to enter these tournaments, but the form I’ve had over the last few months has been very good. It’s not an easy challenge, but I’ll keep working to achieve it.