Rafa Nadal gives free rein to the sport that attracts him the most at the moment: golf. The tennis legend went to Pula Golf Resort, in Mallorca (Spain), to support the charity tournament that raises funds against ALS ‘The Battle of Stars’.
He reviewed the themes of the Holy Trinity that are part of his daily life: tennis, golf and Real Madrid. Still with memories of the great tribute paid to him at Roland Garros 20 days ago, Nadal recalled the final that will be remembered by the fans.
When asked if he had heard Carlos Alcaraz say that he had thought of him to inspire the comeback against Sinner, Rafa smiled: “If he already has the ability to think of me at that moment, it’s already amazing,” he said. “It was a very exciting, spectacular final. In the end, to finish with the cup in his arms after so much time close to Jannik taking it away from him was… I’m very happy for him. It was a match for the history books and I also feel sorry for Sinner because despite how hard the match was for him, he had an impeccable attitude.”
“I don’t have the feeling that I would like to be there, at Roland Garros, or anything like that. I experienced the tournament as a spectator, with the illusion of seeing a place that has been very important in my sporting life and enjoying tennis without more. That is my new reality without thinking beyond,” he continued.
In life with only one of the members of the Big Three in action, Nadal confirmed that he is not surprised by the level of the tennis players now. “That’s when I was playing you asked me. In the end, tennis is more important than any player. Every year there will be Grand Slam champions and each one will make their own way and surely new stars will always appear. Now there are two players who are far above the others, who are two great champions and who will have to make their way. Tennis is in good hands.”
In the evaluation of the tournament that competes this week, he described it as “different”. “It’s true that I’ve played some more serious amateur tournaments, let’s say, but here it’s about having fun and supporting this cause above all. The competitiveness, well, you always like to win, but it’s not the same as maybe a more official tournament,” he said, breaking the ice after having played three rounds at Augusta National and 36 holes each day at Sawgrass this spring.
“Augusta is spectacular. Maybe with St. Andrews, which I haven’t been to, it’s the most iconic place in the world of golf. To have the opportunity to play there three rounds is an unforgettable experience,” he added.
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