Unable to return home, Ukrainian tennis player Anastasiya Lopata thanks Rafael Nadal's academy for providing a place for her to practice

Ukrainian tennis player Anastasiya Lopata has thanked Rafael Nadal's academy for giving her a place to train while her country continues to be ravaged by the ongoing war with Russia.

The 17-year-old said she was grateful for the "unforgettable help" and excellent conditions the academy provided for her.

"I’m very grateful for unforgettable help from Rafa Nadal Academy! When in Ukraine, started the war and I was on ITF tournament and couldn’t come back home anymore Rafa Nadal academy provided excellent conditions for me so I can continue playing tennis," Lopata captioned the post.

The Rafa Nadal Academy posted a screenshot of Lopata's Instagram post on their Twitter handle in which they also showed their support for Ukraine.

Russia invaded Ukraine last month following which there has been widespread damage and destruction in the country. Many key cities like Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Mariupol have been bombed and around 2.5 million people have already fled Ukraine.

Anastasiya Lopata was unable to return home, but the Rafa Nadal Academy made sure that the Ukrainian player didn't miss her training sessions. Located in Nadal's hometown, i.e., in Mallorca, Spain, the academy comprises around 26 tennis courts and a fitness center.

The 21-time Grand Slam winner's former coach and uncle, Toni Nadal, is currently the director of the Rafa Nadal Academy.

Rafael Nadal to kick off his Indian Wells Masters 2022 campaign against Sebastian Korda

Rafael Nadal with Sebastian Korda at the French Open 2020

After getting a bye in the first round, Nadal will square off against Sebastian Korda in the second round of the Indian Wells Masters 2022 on Saturday. The Spaniard is currently on a 15-match winning streak and has already won three ATP tournaments this year.

In their head-to-head, Nadal enjoys a 1-0 advantage over Korda. The 35-year-old defeated the American youngster in straight sets at the 2020 French Open.

If Nadal succeeds in the California desert this time, he will become the oldest player to lift the title in Indian Wells, edging past Roger Federer's record at 35 years and 7 months (Nadal will be 35 years and 9 months). The Spaniard will also equal Novak Djokovic's record for the most number of Masters titles (37) if manages to attain glory at the BNP Paribas Open.

Rafael Nadal will be eyeing his fourth Indian Wells Masters title this year, a tournament he has not won since 2013.