KEY POINTS

  • Rafael Nadal trades his tennis racket for a golf club after winning the French Open
  • Nadal finishes at sixth place in the tourney
  • Nadal is expected to play tennis again next month

Tennis superstar Rafael Nadal stepped out of his comfort zone by participating at the 2020 Balearic Golf Championships on Monday.

The newly-minted French Open champion traded his tennis racket for clubs and joined a golf tournament that consists of both professional and amateur competitors.

All eyes were on Nadal as he accomplished a bridesmaid finish in last year’s over-30 bracket. However, the results were quite different this year.

Across 59 other golfers, the 34-year-old tennis star finished nine over par after a final-round score of 77. He was tied at sixth place, according to CNN. Moreover, he tallied scores of 74 in the first two rounds of the competition.

Nadal had a 0.3 handicap and was 10 shots behind the eventual tournament winner Sebastian Garcia Grout in the final standings. The results of the 2020 Balearic Golf Championship will be recognized by the World Amateur Golf Rankings, per ATP Tour.

Taking part in the aforementioned golf tournament only goes to show the athletic caliber of Nadal.

Throughout his career, he has dominated his opponents. The mix of speed, power and mental toughness made the Spaniard one of the most prolific players of the sport.

Dubbed as the “King of Clay,” Nadal has won Roland Garros for a record of 13 times and boasts a win-loss record of 100-2 in the tournament.

After spending time on the golf course, he will make his return to the tennis court at the Rolex Paris Masters.

A familiar sight: Rafael Nadal gets his hands on the Coupe des Mousquetaires for a 13th time
A familiar sight: Rafael Nadal gets his hands on the Coupe des Mousquetaires for a 13th time AFP / Anne-Christine POUJOULAT
RELATED STORIES