11 time Grand Slam champion and Olympic gold medallist Rafael Nadal challenged a hundred fans to a game of mobile poker over the last weekend.
The tennis star is currently training and preparing to defend his men’s single title at French Open, and this kind of fun challenge against his fans helps him relax before a major tennis battle.
Rafa, who will celebrate his 27th birthday soon, said that the aspect of tough competition is what makes poker so interesting and thrilling for him.
The legend, who has won the Roland Garros tournament for three years in a row, also said:
It’s a game of skill that requires mental strength and the ability to out-think your opponents, and in that way it is very similar to tennis. As I’m in Paris for the Roland Garros tournament, I wanted to be able to have some fun with my fans, and a poker tournament seemed like a great way to do that.
The Spaniard, who has won the French Open many times, has been learning the game of poker since last June. His dedication and commitment has also led him to a professional poker coach Alfonso Cardala, who had the following comments about his student:
Rafa’s competitive nature means that he needs new challenges and wants to learn new skills all the time. Taking on his fans in a friendly poker tournament such as this allows him to put into practice the key lessons I have been giving him, based on mathematics, discipline and psychology.
If you too fancy a game of poker, we can recommend Betfair.com, where you will find various cash games, tournaments and Sit & Go tournaments that will help you improve your skills and grow your bankroll.