Rafael Nadal Reveals Love for Cooking, Details His Favorite Recipe

The Spaniard’s tennis exploits and records are widely cherished and celebrated in his global fandom, but there is a side to Rafael Nadal that not many know of. The 20-time Grand Slam champion also hones his culinary skills when he is not slaying opponents on court.

In an interview with a Spanish publication, the current World Number 3 said that he loves his fish grilled with potatoes and onions and a generous dash of his favorite virgin olive oil.

Rafael Nadal says he loves fish grilled with potatoes and onions

While conceding that he is not skilled enough to rustle up a heady range of mouthwatering dishes, he does “like to cook”. “It’s not that I know how to do thousands of things, but I really like the ones I do and I enjoy cooking,” the Spaniard said.

(Quotes have been translated with Google Translate)

Nadal added that he also prefers visiting the market “or supermarket” himself in Manacor and “choose the fish”. “Then I prepare it at home in the oven with potatoes, onion…and a lot of oil!” Nadal said, adding that it was one of “favorite” and “most recurring” dishes.

Saying that he intends to expand his “repertoire of recipes” going forward, Nadal said that his hometown is known for “good fish and prawns” and he likes to cook them in the “simplest” manner to retain their natural flavor. “The grilled Soller prawns, little cooked, are wonderful,” the Spaniard added.

Nadal said he likes his pasta too but eats less of it these days as he has to watch his diet too.

Nadal owns restaurants in partnership with Enrique Iglesias, Pau Gasol, and Cristiano Ronaldo

The Spaniard owns Tatel, a global chain of fine dining places, in partnership with Spanish pop icon Enrique Iglesias, NBA giant Pau Gasol, and soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.

On the tennis front, the Spaniard’s recent performances, while not lacking in spice and punch, haven’t been as sizzling hot as he would have hoped.

Though he won an unprecedented 13th French Open title last year, taking his career tally of Grand Slams to 20, the same as Roger Federer, he hasn’t won any championships since.

He made the semi-final of the season-ending ATP Finals in London last year, raising hopes of finally ending his title drought at the event. However, from a set to the good, he lost his way rather spectacularly to go down to eventual champion Daniil Medvedev.

Suffering a similar mid-match slump in his semi-final clash against Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas at this year’s Australian Open, Nadal blew a two-set lead to eventually fall to a five-set loss.

Read More: Rafael Nadal Explains Why He Chose Tennis as a Career