Graduation day was one to remember for the Rafa Nadal Academy's Class of 2020.
Rafael Nadal was on hand for the ceremony and joined by two special friends—Roger Federer and Maria Sharapova—who both offered encouragement to the graduating class in their speeches.
There were no hugs, no family photos and plenty of social distancing in this coronavirus era.
More: Right Knee Surgery Ends Federer's 2020 Season
The king of clay took the podium to offer his congratulations and pride in the 34 Grade 12 students who received their diplomas from the Rafa Nadal International School.
“Many congratulations, it’s a very special day for all of you," Nadal told the graduating class. "A great achievement in difficult circumstances. We’re very proud of you at the Academy. I would like to thank all the parents for the trust they have placed in us, particularly in the times we are going through.
"We have tried to meet expectations, we have tried to do things as well as possible given everything that is occurring. I hope you are happy that your children are able to have a graduation, as unfortunately most people will not be able to.
"We have been through very difficult and complicated times," Nadal said. "I hope it has been a period of learning for all of you. Life, most of the time, is not easy. Hopefully this period of time has helped you to gain strength and experience for the challenges you may face in the future.
"We can learn from all of this that we need to be surrounded by good people, those that give us positive things so that life is more positive. It is vital to make the right decisions at key times in our lives."
Despite the coronavirus restrictions, students were able to enjoy some unforgettable moments at a ceremony full of surprises. The event started with a minute’s silence in memory of all the victims of COVID-19.
Following Nadal's speech he told the students, "two friends of mine wanted to be with you" before introducing Federer.
Father of four Federer provided inspiration and practical advice in his speech to the students.
“Hello everybody at the Rafa Nadal Academy many congratulations on everybody who graduates today, I wish you all the very best for your future," Federer said. "For those who go on to play professional tennis you know what it takes. A lot of perseverance, hard work and never forget to have fun.
"Because I think, that’s the most important and that’s what has separated maybe Rafa and myself that we never lost our passion for what we are doing every single day.
"There’s going to be rainy days, it’s going to be tough days but there is always a silver lining. There is always going to be the sun that’s going to come back around. Just make sure you keep on working really hard. For those that unfortunately the tennis dream never worked out, but I’m sure you had a great learning experience at the Academy in school but also away, I hope you learned from Rafa, he is a champion in so many ways, he is very humble."
The Grand Slam king offered parting advice: kindness is key to life.
"Always remember to be kind," Federer said. "Remember to be kind to others you are only as strong as your team and I hope you go on and have a successful and a wonderful career in whatever you are doing."
Following Federer's speech, Sharapova took to the big screen.
“Hello everyone this is Maria and I just wanted to congratulate you on graduating at Rafa Nadal’s Academy this season," Sharapova said. "I can only imagine that the last few weeks have been incredibly challenging being away from your family and your friends and also graduating in this environment must be very different to how you pictured it.
"So I applaud you for your motivation for your hard work and your effort and I encourage you to keep going and keep striving to be the best in your sport. No matter how many ups and downs you face or how many fears you have it’s really always part of the process and you learn so much about yourself along the way. So keep going and I can’t wait to see where your success takes you”,
Although the ceremony took place with fewer family members than normal and without any friends or most of the teaching staff (the maximum number of people allowed at events is 80), the absentees were able to follow the ceremony on a live stream that was set up for them.
At the end of the speeches, Rafa Nadal participated in awarding the diplomas. Although there were no family photos, the students were able to throw up their caps in groups of four, two metres apart from one another.
Photo credit: Rafa Nadal Academy