Rafael Nadal, Jannik Sinner join Real Madrid stars Jude Bellingham, Thibaut Courtois on court | ATP Tour
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Nadal, Sinner join Real Madrid stars Bellingham, Courtois on court
Nadal & Sinner hit Thursday at the Bernabeu, home of Real Madrid
April 23, 2026
Mutua Madrid Open
Iga Swiatek, Thibaut Courtois, Rafael Nadal, Jude Bellingham and Jannik Sinner at the Bernabeu in Madrid on Thursday.
By ATP staff
Rafael Nadal returned to the tennis court in spectacular fashion on Thursday in the Spanish capital, where he played World No. 1 Jannik Sinner and the football stars of Real Madrid in the hottest game.
Nadal, who retires from professional tennis in 2024, partnered Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois in the friendly against Sinner and midfielder Jude Bellingham. The appearance was part of the activities connected to the Mutua Madrid Open, where the Bernabeu is used as a temporary training ground during the ATP Masters 1000 event.
The stadium, which is home to Real Madrid, has become accustomed to hosting a clay court as part of the organization of this year’s event. Sinner is leading the tournament and is scheduled to begin his campaign on Friday against Benjamin Bonzi, whom he leads 3-0 in their Lexus ATP Head2Head series.
Nadal’s involvement reflects his continued association with the tournament and his connection to Madrid. During his career, the former No. 1 player in the PIF ATP Rankings won a record five titles at the Masters 1000 event.
“Thank you @realmadrid and @mutuamadridopen,” Nadal wrote in Spanish on Instagram. “It was very special to enjoy this unique court @bernabeu.”
Iga Swiatek, WTA World No. 4, was also present at this place on Thursday. Pole recently started working with Nadal’s coach who had trained at the Rafa Nadal Academy earlier this month.
Bellingham attended the tournament on Wednesday evening to watch Spanish rising star Rafael Jodar claim the opening medal. The Englishman has been named as the best player in La Liga in his first campaign with Real Madrid in 2023/24.
