Rafael Nadal returned to a tennis court on Thursday, taking part in a special practice session inside Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu stadium as the Madrid Open created a temporary playing surface at the venue.
The tournament has installed a practice court on the Bernabéu pitch, allowing players to train there until April 30.
The retired Spanish tennis star, a long-time Real Madrid supporter and five-time Madrid Open champion, joined a star-studded session featuring Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, world No. 1 Jannik Sinner and midfielder Jude Bellingham.
The unique crossover event brought together tennis and football personalities in a symbolic showcase ahead of the tournament, which is being held at the Caja Mágica complex in Madrid.
Bellingham had earlier attended the Madrid Open on Wednesday, where he watched rising Spanish player Rafael Jódar win his debut match.
“It was very special to enjoy this unique court at the Bernabéu,” Nadal wrote on Instagram following the session.
Women’s world No. 4 Iga Swiatek also attended the Bernabéu event.