Rafael Nadal draws special invite from US Olympic Champion after his latest move

After decades of battling injuries and pushing through pain, Rafael Nadal is finally embracing a long-awaited passion. The Spanish legend, who struggled year after year with Mueller-Weiss syndrome — a degenerative foot condition affecting the navicular bone — often had to put his body before everything else.

Throughout his illustrious tennis career, Nadal carefully managed his physical limitations. While many of his peers explored different sports during downtime, he had to remain cautious. Yet, one passion always lingered in the background: skiing.

Now, with his professional tennis journey behind him, Nadal has rediscovered that love. The 22-time Grand Slam champion recently revealed that he was skiing again for the first time in 26 years, sharing the milestone moment with fans on social media.

Lindsey Vonn’s public invitation

Rafael Nadal’s return to the slopes did not go unnoticed. Among those reacting was Lindsey Vonn, widely regarded as one of the greatest female skiers in history. The American Olympic champion extended a heartfelt invitation in the comments section.

"We have to ski together when I’m healthy!" Vonn commented.

The message quickly caught attention, symbolizing a unique crossover between two sporting icons who have both defined excellence in their respective disciplines.

A new chapter beyond competitive tennis

For Nadal, skiing represents more than just a hobby. During his playing days, the demands of elite competition — intense training schedules, global travel, and physical strain — left little room for risk-heavy recreational sports. Protecting his body was non-negotiable.

Now, free from the pressures of professional tennis, he appears ready to explore this newfound freedom. Without the burden of recovery cycles and tournament preparation, Rafael Nadal can enjoy skiing purely for pleasure.

Even in retirement, sport remains central to his identity. His enduring passion is evident, whether on the clay courts of Paris or on snow-covered mountains. The difference now is simple: no rankings, no titles at stake — just the joy of movement.

As fans celebrate this lighter, freer phase of his life, the prospect of seeing Nadal and Lindsey Vonn share the slopes adds an intriguing twist to his post-tennis journey.