Rafael Nadal displays multi-sport greatness during golf tournament days after retirement

Former World No.1 Rafael Nadal showed why he is one of the greatest athletes in the world last weekend, as he participated in an exhibition golf tournament on Saturday.

The legendary Spaniard played his final professional tennis match at the 2024 Davis Cup, where he represented his country in their tie against Netherlands. Spain failed to defeat the in-form Dutch team, as Nadal lost his singles match against Botic Van de Zandschulp to call an end to a very distinguished career.

Despite retiring from tennis a few days ago, the 22-time Grand Slam champion wasted little time in seeking out an alternative for his competitive nature. Nadal participated at the FGB Hexagonal Golf Circuit on Saturday, where he represented his academy, the Rafael Nadal Academy.

The tournament featured 76 players, and Nadal appeared set to secure the victory as he raced into first place after a series of birdies in the early stages of the tournament. However, the 14-time Roland Garros champion was unable to maintain his red-hot form. and would end up finishing the event in eighth place.

This is not the first time Nadal has taken to the golf course, as the Spaniard has participated in golfing events in the past. Nadal spoke about his love for golf in 2012, stating he enjoyed the peace and low-risk associated with the sport.

"I love the game of golf in general," said Nadal in an interview with the Miami Herald. "I was watching all the afternoon the last round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational... Golf is great, because you are always in beautiful places when you are playing, and the risk for injury, as you know, is very small."