“If this is a paradise of tennis it’s probably even more for golf”- Rafael Nadal swaps tennis courts for golf course at the Indian Wells
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Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal has long been known as an avid golf fan. Already remarked as one of the greatest in tennis, the Spaniard also has a good swing with a golf club as well.
Earlier this year, Rafael Nadal created history when he won his second Australian Open title by defeating Daniil Medvedev in a 5-set thriller. Just days after he became the first player to win 21 Grand Slam men’s singles titles, Nadal was already competing at another tournament, but this time he swapped the hardcourts of Melbourne to the greens of the golf course. The final which lasted a grueling 5 hours and 24 minutes was the second-longest summit clash in Grand Slams’ history, but that didn’t deter Nadal from returning to his hometown, Mallorca, to compete at an amateur golf tournament.
The 21-time Grand Slam champion has long proclaimed his love for golf and he is quite talented at the sport as well, and that wasn’t the first time he competed at the tournament in Mallorca. Nadal was a frequent competitor at the Balearic Mid Amateur Men’s Championship at Alcanada GC in Mallorca. This time around he bagged second place after he carded 74-77 to total 7-over 151.
‘I enjoy a lot of positive things that golf brings to me’: Rafael Nadal
Nadal, who is now competing at the Indian Wells, flew early to California so he could take a look at the golf courses in California, which also host the Pebble Beach Golf Links, Pebble Beach Resorts, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful golf courses around the world and it also hosts men’s major championship- US Opens and PGA Championship. In an interview with Desert Sun, the World No.4 spoke about his passion for the sport and how it helps in maintaining his fitness.
“If here is the paradise of tennis. It’s probably even more in golf. Plenty of amazing golf courses, so for golf lovers it’s an amazing place, honestly,” he said.
He also spoke about the secret to his incredible physique. En route to his triumph at the Australian Open, Nadal was asked what the key to his fitness is. The Mallorcan had an unexpected reply “I play some golf, I’ve never been a gym guy,” drawing a huge wave of laughter from the crowd.
Nadal had to undergo surgery last year after he suffered from a foot injury, and he has a condition called the Mueller-Weiss syndrome. It is a degenerative disease that causes chronic pain in the midfoot. Nadal said he cannot play strenuous sports because of this but it is easy to play golf and it also helps him spend some quality time with his friends.
“The truth is, I’m not able to practice aggressive sports anymore. No football, or soccer, no impact or aggressive sports for my knees and my foot. Golf is a very social sport. You can compete, but at the same time, it’s good that you can play with friends, family and even if you have a lower level or a higher level you can compete with the handicap,” he said
“In general terms, what the golf makes me feel is that I compete in beautiful places, in great company, and enjoy a lot of positive things that the golf game brings to me,” the World No.4 remarked.
With already 3 titles to his name this year, Nadal is on course for his 4th. He is into the quarter-finals at the 2022 Indian Wells, where he will face Nick Kyrgios.
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T Rushitha
(360 Articles Published)