Tennis champion Rafael Nadal spotted playing golf
It is true that Rafael Nadal has worked his heart out to become one of the greatest professional tennis players of all time. The Spaniard is also credited for dethroning former number one Roger Federer for the first time in 10 years. Consequently, Nadal clinched the number one spot in tennis with a lot of hard work and dedication. The Spaniard, till now, has won eight Grand Slam titles up till now and is still aiming for more. Nadal also won the 2008 Olympic gold medal and is a record winner of eighteen ATP World Tour Master Tournaments. Along with all this, he has led Spain to victory at the Davis Cup in the years 2004, 2008 and 2009. In the meantime, his mastery at clay has led to fans calling him the ‘The King of Clay’.
That is quite a lot to achieve at an age of just 24 years. Consequently, one would estimate that this young Spanish tennis player must put all his mind and energy into tennis in order to progress so far. But then, why would a tennis champion play golf? Surprising as it may sound, it is true that this world class tennis champion has a world of interests beyond tennis. He is a very devoted football fan and loves to play golf when he is not busy practicing his game of tennis.
Recently, after becoming the undisputed champion at Wimbledon 2010, Nadal flew directly to South Africa in order to support Spain at the FIFA Football World Cup final against Holland. Now that is the support of a true football fan. Before turning to tennis, Nadal was a very promising football player in his childhood. Time made him realise that tennis was the game for him but his love for football still remains and it can be seen in his enthusiastic support for football. Furthermore, he has also become a shareholder in the Real Mallorca football team which plays on the island he is currently residing on. Nadal has given this team funds to play and improve their game further.
Apart from football, Nadal is known to have a true passion for golf. Even though he does not play football in his spare time, he does play golf. After attending the grand celebrations for Spain’s victory at the FIFA World Cup in South Africa, Nadal has returned to his homeland to blow off some steam and then start preparing for the upcoming tennis tournaments again. Nadal was playing a very serious game of golf near his home in Mallorca. Although the Spaniard is a left-handed tennis player, he was playing golf with a right-handed grip.
This Grand Slam champion is reported to have been playing golf for the Renault Llucmajor charity event being held at the Marriott Golf Son Antem and not just for his leisure time. This event was to benefit the Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA) which is a non-profit organization. This organization has been developed to provide help and support for patients as well as health professionals with regards to anxiety, which is a growing problem in the West.
This event became somewhat of a family reunion for the tennis star, as he was joined by his Uncle Toni Nadal and childhood friend Tomeu Salva. Nadal has also participated in this charity golf event, along with his family in the previous years as well. This shows that an interest for golf runs in the family.
This vacation for Nadal has helped him get some treatment for his knees and now it is about time that he shifted his focus entirely on what is truly important. His plans include participating in the Rogers Cup in Toronto and at the Western & Southern Financial Group Masters in Cincinnati. This will help him remain fit for the real challenge which awaits him at the U.S. Open scheduled to start on the 30th of August.
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