Jaume Munar, nominated for the ATP 2018 awards
After playing the best year of his sports career, Jaume Munar, the Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar player has been nominated for the “Outbreak of the year” Award in the ATP circuit.
Just over a year ago, Jaume Munar returned to his native land in Mallorca to continue his tennis training at the Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar. “Arriving here was a radical turning point. Returning to Mallorca was a great change, not only professionally, but also on a personal level. Being close to my family motivated me the most and being near them has indirectly helped me professionally”. When he arrived in Manacor, Jaume placed in the Top 250 of the ATP ranking ATP and after a passionate year, he has managed to reach the 79 position, a feat that the ATP has wanted to recognize by nominating him as the outbreak of the year 2018.
The Spaniard from Mallorca was proclaimed champion of the Espinar Tournament during the summer of 2017 and since that victory, his winnings and his drive to compete have escalated. “It meant a great turning point in my career to win this trophy, especially to believe that I could achieve great things”.
After several victories in the Challenger circuit, Munar participated in a very important tournament for him on a personal level, the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell where he won his first ATP victory: “It was a very important victory for me, probably the most important match of the year because I realized that I had the level to compete against those players. It was a special moment and a very significant one at that”.
In 2018, Jaume Munar joined the Mmoh as the only player to win consecutively the ATP Challenger Tour trophy. His triumphs in Prostejov (Czech Republic) and Caltanissetta (Italy) helped him to become the Top 100 on June 18, just after achieving the most important victories of his career in Roland Garros against David Ferrer, giving him the opportunity to play against Novak Djokovic in the Philippe Chatrier. This is an experience that he will probably never forget.
Munar reached his first semifinals in Kitzbuhel during the ATP circuit, which gave him a much needed boost: “I am honestly enjoying this Tour to the fullest, I am 21 years old, all of this is new to me, so I am comfortable, having a god time and enjoying each moment. I believe that I am experiencing the best moment in my life”
Jaume follows Rafa as an example and a guide in his game. He says that Rafa helps him and brings out the best that Munar has inside. “Rafa always tells me that the most important thing is that I give it my best on the court and that I work hard. He also tells me to focus on my objectives and it’s very important to have such a tennis legend by my side. He is the best tennis player in the history of this sport who supports me”.
Thanks to the results, but also to the good atmosphere generated around his work team, Jaume has reiterated on numerous occasions how happy he feels during this successful stage of his career: “To have the Academy here and be a player who lives here… Everything is so convenient! This academy provides all the necessary amenities and there is nothing lacking if you are dedicated to the sport of tennis. In my case, I don’t study here, but those who do study can combine both and that for me is very important when you are at a young age and growing as an individual. The Academy is a luxury on a professional level. The facilities are out of this world and the people are fantastic. Everyone who works here focuses on the same objectives every day, which is to help improve those who are here”.
