Max Basing and his round-trip journey from the Rafa Nadal Academy to Stanford to claim his sixth ITF title

22.01.2026

Editorial RNA

Max Basing’s story is a clear reflection of the path followed by many young players who arrive at the Rafa Nadal Academy to develop and grow, both on and off the court. After completing his school years at the Rafa Nadal School and continuing his academic and athletic development at the prestigious Stanford University in the United States, Basing returned to the place where he was shaped to experience one of the most special moments of his short yet promising career: being crowned champion at the ITF Manacor.

Mike arrived at the Academy at the age of 14 and remained there until he was 18, a period he defines as a complete life experience. “Living the full experience meant doing everything as well as possible: studying very hard and playing tennis at a high level,” he recalls. For the player, the Rafa Nadal Academy was “the most professional place” where he could develop both facets, with a structure he considers “the best in the world,” one that prepared him “perfectly to go to the United States, continue studying, and keep pursuing the dream of playing tennis.”

The transition to the U.S. college system was demanding. “It was a very intense process: talking to many universities while trying to improve my tennis and get good grades,” he explains. Along the way, the support of the Academy’s staff proved decisive. “My coaches, the director, the teachers, and the counselor helped me balance everything I had on my plate and gave me the opportunities to make it possible.”

Beyond sporting performance, Basing highlights the personal growth he experienced at the Academy. “It was a great place to learn and grow as an adult,” he says. Among the values he still carries today, he especially emphasizes independence and resilience. “You learn to live without your parents, to make your own decisions. Sometimes you feel lost or think you’re not progressing as you’d like, and that’s when resilience is key. It’s the perfect place to learn it.”

The Brit’s return to the Rafa Nadal Academy also had a strong emotional component. Basing earned his first ATP point in Manacor at just 17 years old, and now, six years later, lifting the ITF trophy represents the closing of a very special circle. “It’s nice to come back and not just win a match, but go all the way and win the tournament,” he notes. Despite the passing of time, he underlines the warmth of the environment: “There are people who were already here when I was, and they’ve been incredibly welcoming. Even those who didn’t know me have made me feel at home.”

This victory also allows Mike Basing to reinforce the message he shares with the new generations of players now taking their first steps at the Academy: “Focus on the long journey and on development, not just results, because results will come. Be patient and enjoy it. The Academy is an incredible place to be, and you have to make the most of the opportunity.”

A story of return, maturity, and success that exemplifies the impact of the Rafa Nadal Academy’s development model and confirms that long-term work always finds its reward. Congratulations, Max.