McIlroy reveals Nadals unlikely role in Masters | Golf News

Rafael Nadal walked the grounds at Augusta National as Rory McIlroy secured consecutive Masters victories, but the tennis legend’s assist prolonged far past his bodily presence.

McIlroy has developed a close friendship with Nadal as properly, and he remarked at the Laureus Sports Awards: “I saw Rafa a lot at Augusta and to have his support – he’d leave me little voice notes at the end of every day.

“It’s actually cool when you’ve gotten one of absolutely the legends of sport cheering you on like that, and him realizing what it seems like to be in that place, that’s actually cool.”

McIlroy, who observed current stars Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner battle at the Monte Carlo Masters in the hours preceding his second Green Jacket victory, has “always cherished tennis.”

He continued: “There are so many similarities between golf and tennis, particular person sports activities. You’re actually on the market on your own. You have to determine it out by your self. And I feel both video games mentally are very, very taxing and difficult in their own methods.

“Rafa and Roger have now retired. Novak is not retired, but certainly getting to the latter stages of his career. And we were all wondering, ‘Who is next?’

“And then you’ve gotten these two guys in Carlos and Jannik that have come along and are just taking part in some of the most unbelievable tennis.

“What makes this rivalry so special is that they have very different styles. Carlos plays with emotion, with his heart on his sleeve. And Jannik is just like an absolute robot, doesn’t make a mistake, is unbelievable to watch hit the ball, and I think the contrast in styles.

“As a tennis fan, it makes me actually excited for the next few years to find a way to watch them battle it out.”

McIlroy, who claimed the Laureus World Comeback of the Year award for his 2025 Masters victory, has not taken to the course since his triumph at Augusta National last month.

He has opted out of this week’s Cadillac Championship at Trump National Doral, but is set to compete next week in the Truist Championship at Quail Hollow, a course where he has claimed victory 4 occasions. The PGA Championship follows a week later at Aronimink Golf Club.