We see tennis players when they are in full competition mode and ready to go to battle with their opponents. Often, fans love them for what they are like and may be intrigued by what else they are up to. It is always interesting and activities reveal another side to the athletes, showing the ways they find balance in their high-pressure lives in the spotlight. Tennis players have grueling schedules but may find a way to fit in some hobbies. Here’s a look at some well-known tennis players and the hobbies that they have become known for away from the sport.
Rafael Nadal
The King of Clay is known for his intense and relentless energy on the court. When he’s not smashing forehands or bossing it on the clay Nadal enjoys a slower pace with a round of golf or a day out fishing.
Golf is a sport Nadal takes seriously; he plays it competitively during the off-season and has participated in several amateur tournaments. Sometimes sports stars just show their competitiveness even in their hobbies! His love for golf is well-documented, and it offers him a way to stay active while enjoying a different kind of challenge.
Rafa’s other hobbies include casino games – he has been known to play games at numerous casinos including games that involve some level of skill and strategy. He has even played alongside his on-court rival Roger Federer. His appearances in casino tournaments have shown the world his enjoyment of table games. A lot of current tennis stars are known to play these kinds of games in their downtime and online blackjack games are common ways for sports players and athletes to unwind but still put a little thought into their strategies for play.
Fishing is another hobby Nadal treasures. Growing up on the island of Mallorca, he developed a deep connection with the sea. Fishing allows him to spend quiet time away from the public eye. It’s a simple pleasure that contrasts with the intensity of his tennis career. “I love fishing and being in the sea with boats,” he said in an interview.
Two of Nadal’s hobbies are combined in a challenge offered up by a top casino brand where people try to catch a fish in a minute for a prize. Would Nadal be that quick, I wonder?
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Roger Federer
A Swiss legend shows his appreciation for precision and artistry with his top hobby–watch collecting. Federer has been an ambassador for Rolex since 2006, and his love for watches goes beyond mere sponsorship. He is a genuine aficionado, with a collection that includes some of the most iconic and rare timepieces in the world. I guess it is lucky he got so many prize checks.
Federer loves golf and has listed hobbies as simply spending time with his friends. He seems a really humble guy, even if he does have millions of dollars worth of watches.
Serena Williams
Serena is known for creating her own fashion line! That’s an impressive hobby and shouldn’t come as a surprise as she has shown herself to have serious business acumen. Williams is also a savvy entrepreneur. She has invested in various startups and is actively involved in their development. Through her venture capital firm, Serena Ventures, she supports companies that focus on diversity and inclusion.
As if that’s not enough to keep her busy, Serena has also founded her own makeup line which is designed to withstand workouts. It is described as “makeup you can move in” and seems to be very successful. We know that Serena has a will to win and this has definitely gone beyond her time on the court. She actually only retired in 2022, so it is fair to say she has been prolific with her business involvements. These are probably more than just hobbies in the traditional sense and Williams is determined to be a force for good.
Novak Djokovic
Tennis great Djokovic may also be thinking about retirement soon and has his share of hobbies away from the sport. One thing Novak is known for is his advocacy of clean living and healthy lifestyles. He’s passionate about holistic ways of living and has written about the importance of mindfulness and a balanced diet in his book, “Serve to Win.” His passion for nutritious food has also led him to open a vegan restaurant, Eqvita, in Monaco.
Conclusion
Players who reach the top level of Grand Slam tennis can pretty much do what they want once their career is over. Many go for golf or enjoy playing casino and table games. Some have more unusual hobbies and plenty have business endeavours as it makes sense for them to invest winnings for good and try to showcase their entrepreneurial side after hanging up the racket for the final time.
