Rafael Nadal Challenges His Rivals To a Golf Match
The Big 4 (Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray) don’t need any introduction. The tennis titans have seen their talent for over two decades as they have continued to inspire audiences through their play. However, with three of the Big 4 members already in the retirement club, one of them has advised to take their battles to the golf course.
Nadal is one of the athletes who loves golf as much as tennis. Interestingly, Nadal plays golf right-handed despite playing tennis left-handed. Now, he has challenged the other Big 4 members to a golf course match. The Spaniard has even insisted that he might have an undue advantage over his tennis rivals in this sport.
What Did Nadal say?
In an interview with The Telegraph, Nadal said, “Yes, it could happen, but they have to get training. I have a bit of an advantage in that. On the tennis court, there wasn’t that much difference between us, but in this [golf], I’m much better than them.”
All three retired members of the Big 4 (Federer, Nadal, and Murray) have shown their golf skills after hanging up their tennis rackets. Federer’s recent Instagram post suggests that he is enjoying taking up a new sport. He has made plenty of golf friends throughout his tennis career, such as Tiger Woods. Woods was seen in his player’s box during the 2006 US Open final against Andy Roddick.
Only One Big 4 Member Lives
Federer was the first member of the Big 4 to leave tennis as he announced his retirement on September 15, 2022, via his social media platforms. The Swiss man played his last-ever professional ATP match at the Laver Cup in doubles alongside Nadal. Although he has bid farewell to tennis, he has remained connected with the game in some shape or form.
Federer has been seen supporting the Laver Cup in two tournaments after his retirement. In the 2024 edition, he got to meet Carlos Alcaraz. Moreover, he has been seen playing exhibition matches, such as the one he played at the Shanghai Masters last year. He was seen watching the Shanghai Masters final between Jannik Sinner and Djokovic.
On the other hand, Nadal, who was crying alongside Federer during the Swiss’ retirement ceremony, bid farewell in October last year. The Spaniard announced his retirement on October 10, 2024, and played his last match in the Davis Cup against the Netherlands. It was a tricky last season for the Spaniard, as he only played one of the four Grand Slam events, which came at his beloved Roland Garros. His final singles ATP match was against Djokovic in the Paris Olympics second round.
Murray retired from professional tennis at the Paris Olympics after losing in the third round of men’s doubles. He was playing alongside Dan Evans. Shockingly, he is now the coach of Djokovic. The duo has been together in multiple crucial events, such as the 2025 Australian Open.
