Have a lot of willpower, stay focused, and don’t give up even when things seem difficult. Even if you’re scared, keep pushing forward and chase your dreams.
As a part of our series about sports stars who are making a social impact, I had the pleasure of interviewing Rafael Padilha.
Born in Porto Alegre, Padilha began his career in tennis at the age of nine, and his first contact with the sport happened through Rede Tenis Brasil project. The oldest in a family of seven siblings, the athlete remained number 1 in the state rankings in the,14, 16 and 18 age categories and has competed in Brazilian and ITF Juniors tournaments, such as the Banana Bowl and Brazil Juniors Cup. In 2023, also through the project, visited behind the scenes and trained on the courts at the Miami Open. This year, Rafael was part of a historic achievement; he performed the first inaugural serve (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOaastcX52g) in the history of tennis during the Miami Open — an initiative created by Itaú Unibanco and the Brazilian agency GALERIA.ag.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Can you share with us the “backstory” that led you to your career path in professional sports?
I was introduced to tennis at the age of 9 through the Rede Tenis Brasil project at my school. After that, I began taking classes at a tennis academy, which led to increased training and participation in national tournaments.
Can you share the funniest or most interesting story that occurred to you in the course of your career? What were the lessons or takeaways that you took out of that story?
I was playing in the final of a tournament in Brazil when suddenly the string on my racket broke. Without a spare racket identical to the one I was using, I had to pick up a different one. JP, who was watching the match, is close to Thiago Monteiro, a Brazilian professional tennis player. He was surprised to see a talented player like me without a backup racket. JP shared the story with Thiago, who then generously gifted me two identical rackets. This experience had a profound impact on me and is something I will always remember. Last week, I had the opportunity to personally thank Thiago and even got invited to train with him, which was an incredible experience.
What would you advise a young person who wants to emulate your success?
Have a lot of willpower, stay focused, and don’t give up even when things seem difficult. Even if you’re scared, keep pushing forward and chase your dreams.
Is there a person that made a profound impact on your life? Can you share a story?
One person who had a huge impact on me was Marcelo Dietze, my coach. He accepted me into his tennis academy without demanding results, always eager to help me not only on the court but also with my personal issues.
After achieving so many great things through the Rede Tênis Brasil Project, how do you support other young people involved in sports?
I seek to give back in many ways, but mainly through my siblings. Nowadays, I’m teaching tennis to one of my younger brothers, and I always give tips and share my learnings and experiences with other young people who are also supported by the Rede Tênis Brasil.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you explain how that was relevant in your life?
I’ll do it, I’ll do it… Even though I’m scared and a little nervous, I want it, and I’ll do it.
How can our readers follow you online?
@rafael.padilha.05
Thank you so much for these amazing insights. This was so inspiring.
Sports Stars Making a Social Impact: Why & How Rafael Padilha Is Helping To Change Our World was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.