Rafael Nadal finds joy in new sport after 26-year hiatus as he refuses to pick up racket | Tennis | Sport

Rafael Nadal is still loving life in retirement, as the Spanish superstar recently got back on the slopes for the first time in 26 years. The 22-time Grand Slam champion may have been inspired by the recent Winter Olympics, sharing a photo of himself decked out in skiing gear at the Baqueira Beret resort.

The former world No. 1 ended his professional tennis career at the 2024 Davis Cup Finals and has barely touched a racket since, but he’s enjoyed plenty of other sports, from golf to football. And he’s now started skiing again, after his tennis career prevented him from taking to the mountains.

“After 26 years… what an incredible feeling to ski again! Thank you,@moncler&@gfisan, for making it even more special!” Nadal wrote alongside a photo of himself on the Pyrenees.

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He even got the approval of American alpine skiing sensation Lindsey Vonn, who commented: “Yes!!! I love Baquiera!! We have to ski together when I’m healthy!”

Tennis players usually avoid skiing throughout their career to prevent sudden injuries and accidents, and then get back on the slopes once they’ve retired. Nadal’s greatest rival, Roger Federer, has enjoyed skiing holidays with his family since retiring in 2022, as has three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray.

Aged 39, Nadal has made limited appearances at tennis tournaments since hanging up his racket and has barely been out on the court. He watched the recent Australian Open men’s singles final, where his countryman, Carlos Alcaraz, beat one of his old foes, Novak Djokovic.

“I also want to speak to the legendary Rafa, who is in the stands. Obviously, it feels very weird to see you there and not here. I just want to say it has been an honour to share the court with you. To have you here watching this final, first time for me, it is a strange feeling, but thank you for being present,” Djokovic told his retired rival after losing in four sets.

Nadal might be happy to watch tennis, but he hasn’t played much since entering retirement. During an appearance at the 2025 French Open, where organisers honoured his career and his historic 14 titles there, he revealed that he hadn’t touched a racket for six months, and didn’t want to yet.

But he was still happy to channel his competitive nature into other sports. “I am competitive again. Just to let you know, I am enjoying my daily competitions when I play golf and when I do things, but I think in a much nicer way,” he grinned.

Nadal got back on the court briefly last November – a year after his retirement – alongside WTA sensation Alexandra Eala, who attended his academy in Mallorca. Sharing some videos of their practice session, the Spaniard wrote: “One year later, it felt great to be back on a tennis court! It was great to practice with you @AlexEala05 ! Next time I will be stronger.” Nadal then underwent hand surgery in mid-December.

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