Rafael Nadal is one of the greatest tennis players of all time. Over the years, the former World No. 1 has secured numerous accolades and records to his name. On the other hand, Cristiano Ronaldo has the same if not a better stature in soccer. The current Manchester United forward is often regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time.

Looking at their performance, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that the two are legendary players in their respective games. However, how would things unfold if the two tried their hands at each other’s sport?

Rafael Nadal and Cristiano Ronaldo indulge in a unique game of tennis and soccer

Keeping up with their aura, the two have a long list of sponsors with them. Out of the many common sponsors, one of them is the sports apparel brand, Nike. In 2012, Nike announced its new football shoes, Mercurial Vapor VIII. Being the best football shoes of that time by the brand, Nike roped in Cristiano Ronaldo and Rafael Nadal for its PR campaign.

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The campaign featured Nadal and Ronaldo playing a unique tennis game followed by a soccer-tennis match. Getting on the grass courts of a country club, Nadal and Ronaldo played three points. The first two points had Nadal playing with his racquet, and Ronaldo with the new Mercurial. While the last point featured Nadal wearing the Mercurial and Ronaldo in running shoes. Being a campaign for Mercurial, all the three points had the person with the Mercurial winning. In this case, two for Ronaldo and one for Nadal.

The campaign in no time gained mileage, with the sales of Mercurial Vapor III rocketing. Looking at the stats, till date, the campaign remains one of the most successful ad campaigns by Nike.

Nadal to play the 2022 Wimbledon?

Rafael Nadal has been in devastating form since the start of the 2022 season. Having secured the Australian Open and the French Open, next in line for the Spaniard is the Wimbledon. While the 36-year-old is willing to play, his body is reacting to the years of stress undergone over the years, especially his foot.

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Struggling with a foot issue, Nadal recently admitted that he played the French Open with anti-inflammatories and anesthetic injections. When asked if he would play Wimbledon the same way, Nadal said, “If I am able to play with anti-inflammatories, yes—to play with anesthetic injections, no. I don’t want to put myself in that position again.” 

He has also asserted of getting a procedure done and its result to be the determining factor of his presence at the All England Tennis and Croquet Club. His confirmation of participation is still eagerly awaited by tennis fans all around the world.