Rafael Nadal is winning trophies again — but this time, there was no tennis racket involved
ATPWednesday, 02 September 2026 at 21:00
Rafael Nadal is a champion once again. Nearly two years after bringing his legendary tennis career to an end, the Spaniard has returned to the winner's circle and lifted another trophy — although this time, there was no racket involved.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion successfully defended his Club Championship title at Golf Club Son Servera in Mallorca, continuing what has become an increasingly competitive second sporting chapter since his retirement from professional tennis.
Nadal's old winning habits clearly have not disappeared with the end of his tennis career. The Spaniard was crowned Club Champion for the second consecutive year, with the Mallorca club sharing images of the former World No. 1 on the course and celebrating with his latest trophy.
“Rafa Nadal, Club Champion for the second year in a row!” the club announced. “That’s how our final tournament of the 59th anniversary came to an end, with Rafa taking the Club Championship once again.”
Nadal continues competitive streak away from tennis
Golf has become one of Nadal's main sporting passions since he officially retired from professional tennis at the 2024 Davis Cup Finals. The Spaniard has repeatedly admitted that he barely touches a tennis racket anymore, instead spending increasingly more time on golf courses and entering amateur competitions.
His latest success at Son Servera was not an isolated moment either. Nadal has already produced several notable moments in his new sporting pursuit, including recording a hole-in-one last year.
The club's anniversary tournament also produced another memorable shot, with Nadal's playing partner Peter Mason making a hole-in-one at the eighth hole.
“And while we’re talking about good results, a special mention to his playing partner, Peter Mason, who made a hole-in-one on the 8th. Congratulations, Peter!” the club added.
Nadal has also used golf to reconnect with some familiar faces from his tennis life. He previously joined Roger Federer for a round, while also floating the possibility of playing alongside fellow Big Four members Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray.
For a player whose career was defined by an almost obsessive competitive mentality, golf appears to have offered Nadal something that retirement from tennis could not entirely remove: the opportunity to compete, improve and, occasionally, lift another trophy.
A much quieter relationship with the tennis world
While Nadal has remained highly active on the golf course, his appearances around professional tennis have been considerably more limited in comparation - for example - to Roger Federer or Andy Murray.
One of his most emotional returns came at Roland Garros last year, where Nadal was honoured in a special ceremony at the tournament he made his own throughout his career. Federer, Djokovic and Murray joined him on Court Philippe-Chatrier, while a permanent plaque was unveiled in recognition of his extraordinary record at the French Open.
He has also maintained some links with the sport through his ambassadorial role with the Saudi Tennis Federation, attending the Next Gen ATP Finals in Riyadh. Earlier this year, Nadal returned to Melbourne for the Australian Open's Night of Legends before watching Carlos Alcaraz defeat Djokovic in the men's final to complete the career Grand Slam.
But Nadal's latest trophy confirms that retirement has not completely removed competition from his life.
The surface, equipment and opponents may have changed. Yet nearly two years after putting down his tennis racket for the final time, one familiar image remains exactly the same: Rafael Nadal holding a trophy.
Nadal's US Open titles
| Year | Rival | Rival ranking | Score in the final |
| 2010 | Novak Djokovic | N.º 3 | 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-2 |
| 2013 | Novak Djokovic | N.º 1 | 6-2, 3-6, 6-4, 6-1 |
| 2017 | Kevin Anderson | N.º 32 | 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 |
| 2019 | Daniil Medvedev | N.º 5 | 7-5, 6-3, 5-7, 4-6, 6-4 |
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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