Rafael Nadal has finally been able to enjoy a skiing trip after years of avoiding the hobby to protect his tennis career.
Nadal retired from tennis at the end of 2024, calling time on his glittering career with 22 Grand Slam titles to his name.
The Spanish legend won a huge 92 ATP titles overall, as well as climbing as high as number one in the world rankings.
But now he’s been enjoying a well-deserved trip to the slopes, at a time when the professional stars have just finished strutting their stuff at the Winter Olympics.
Lindsey Vonn wants to ski with Rafael Nadal when she recovers
Nadal shared images of his skiing trip on Instagram, accompanied by the caption: “After 26 years… what an incredible feeling to ski again!”
And quick to comment on the post was skiing legend Lindsey Vonn, who wrote: “We have to ski together when I’m healthy!”
American icon Vonn just participated in the Milan Cortina Olympics, but sadly needed surgery after a nasty crash in Italy.
Vonn sent another message in Spanish about the skiing region Nadal chose, saying: “Yes! I love Baqueira!”
Rafael Nadal finally swaps the clay for the snow
While Nadal is more than likely talented on the snow, he will be most fondly remembered for his efforts on clay.
The Spanish superstar clinched Grand Slam titles on hard courts and grass, but saved his best tennis for the French Open.
Nadal’s stunning 14 Roland Garros titles are more than any other player, with Bjorn Borg representing his nearest rival on six.
Of course, skiing would have represented far too dangerous a pastime during his playing career, with Nadal now free to enjoy his adventures on the slopes.
But he’s also been spending plenty of time on the golf course since his retirement, as have his fellow legends Andy Murray and Roger Federer.