Rafael Nadal has revealed he returned to skiing for the first time in 26 years, sharing a moment completely unrelated to his legendary tennis career.
The Spanish icon posted an image of himself in full skiing gear, smiling against a snowy backdrop. For a player whose career was defined by physical endurance, the milestone carried extra significance.
Rafael Nadal returns to skiing after 26 years
In a post shared on X, Nadal wrote: “After 26 years… what an incredible feeling to ski again!”
The accompanying image showed Nadal dressed in winter gear, standing on snow with skis, marking a rare sporting activity outside the tennis court.
Given his long history of knee, foot, and abdominal injuries throughout his career, the decision to avoid skiing for more than two decades now appears understandable.
Why Rafael Nadal likely avoided skiing during his tennis career
For elite tennis professionals, off-season activities are carefully managed to reduce the chance of unnecessary injury.
Skiing, with its potential for ligament damage and high-impact falls, presents obvious risks for someone competing at the highest level year after year.
Nadal’s career spanned more than two decades at the top of the sport, during which he managed recurring knee issues and foot problems that required meticulous load management. Avoiding high-risk recreational sports would have been a logical precaution.
Now, with the pressures of Grand Slam preparation behind him, returning to the slopes represents a different phase of life.
After 26 years of prioritising tennis above all else, Nadal’s snowy return symbolises a simple but meaningful change.
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