Rafael Nadal has rarely played tennis since ending his career at last year’s Davis Cup Finals in Malaga. The 22-time Major champion is swapping tennis courts for the sand bunkers and greens this June.

Rafa teams up with his long-term friend Pau Gasol in a star-studded charity golf invitational. The tournament, organized by the Gasol Foundation in Cadiz, brings together top Spanish athletes to raise awareness and funds for the prevention of childhood obesity.

Nadal’s love for golf is well-known – he is frequently joined by Pau for friendly rounds, sometimes even sparking shared competitive fires and laughter. However, their bond goes far deeper!

Gasol has been a vocal supporter during Nadal’s toughest battles. He once described their friendship as special and was often courtside during his compatriot’s Roland Garros finals.

That deep camaraderie now extends to the fairways, where physical challenge meets heartfelt purpose for those in need. Their golf outings are more than sport.

They symbolize lifelong friendship, mutual respect and shared commitment to charity. Off the court, Nadal shines again, this time swinging for a cause with his close friend.

Gasol supported his great friend during that emotional Roland Garros farewell on May 25. Rafa received the ultimate honor from the organizers on his beloved Court Philippe-Chatrier, with his greatest rivals joining him on the court.

While hitting a couple of times with his son at their home in Mallorca, the King of Clay has been away from the tennis court for over six months. He does not feel the desire to return to it at the moment, although we should see him in some thrilling exhibition matches in the future.

At the moment, he does not think much about his tennis days, focusing on his family and new business approaches. As always, he finds time to swing on the golf court, switching his passion and dedication to a different type of grass.