Rafael Nadal’s childhood friend hints at a new sport for the legend after his retirement from tennis

Rafael Nadal, after strong finishes in 2021 and 2022 golf tournaments, will now focus more on golf, per friend Joan Suasi.

Rafael Nadal’s childhood friend hints at a new sport for the legend after his retirement from tennis

Rafael Nadal (Image via NBC Sports/L'Equipe)

Rafael Nadal‘s loss at the Davis Cup quarterfinal match against Botic van de Zandschulp marked the end of his career. The Spaniard has not revealed what he will do next following his retirement from tennis. The tennis legend’s childhood friend, Joan Suasi, has now given a hint about a new sport the 38-year-old is looking forward to participating in.

Nadal enjoyed an incredible career on the tennis court and established himself as one of the greatest players of the sport. The Spaniard turned professional at just 14 years of age in 2001 and only had to wait four years to win his first Grand Slam at the French Open. He went on to claim 13 more titles on the same court and eight from the other three major events.

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He has struggled with injuries and fitness issues for the past two seasons, and that played a major role in his announcing his retirement in October. He played his final match at the Davis Cup quarterfinals, which drew the end of his two-decade-long career. However, the Spaniard is looking to turn his attention to the Gulf circuit.

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Nadal competed in several golf tournaments and, in 2021 and 2022, represented Rafael Nadal Academy in golf competitions, where he finished fifth and second, respectively. His friend, Joan Suasi, has revealed that he will now focus more on the golf course.

Rafael is happy when he is competing. Whether it’s tennis, golf, padel, PlayStation… For him, without competition, there is no possible improvement. And without improvement, there is no possible pleasure. When he ends his career, he may spend a few quiet years, but it won’t last. He will need to become a competitor somewhere else (maybe in golf? Ed.) He won’t be able to stay in his armchair or on the beach all day, I’m sure of that.

Joan Sausi said via L’Equipe

While Nadal has accomplished several feats in tennis, he is also quite a good golf player. In February 2024, he was crowned champion of the Nations Cup, an amateur tournament held in his hometown of Mallorca.

Carlos Moya slams Davis Cup for “careless and shabby” farewell ceremony for Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal’s farewell on Tuesday (November 19) at the Martin Carpena Arena in Malaga has come under scrutiny by those close to him. First, Nadal’s uncle, Toni Nadal, revealed that he was a bit disappointed by how the farewell ceremony went. Then Spain’s captain, David Ferrer, revealed that the other members of the Big 4 not showing up was a big miss.

Rafael Nadal and Carlos Moya
Rafael Nadal and Carlos Moya (Image via Imago)

Additionally, Carlos Moya, Nadal’s main coach, felt that the ceremony was done carelessly and shabby. He added that the organizers knew that Spain could lose the tie against the Netherlands and didn’t have any excuse.

The feeling we all have is that the farewell was careless and shabby. It’s true that it was a Tuesday night, but they had months in advance and it was known that if Spain lost, Rafa would retire. Nadal is very much above all this.

Carlos Moya said via Onda Cero

Spain exited the Davis Cup Finals after losing 1-2 to the Netherlands. Nadal lost his singles match in straight sets against Dutch Botic van de Zandschulp.