Rafael Nadal news: Actor Ben Stiller speaks about playing tennis with Spaniard
Many of us have had dreams of playing the tennis alongside and against greats like Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. For most of us who are not gifted, that will not happen, well not unless you are a celebrity or actor.
Actor Ben Stiller recently appeared on Jimmy Fallon to promote his new thriller show ‘Severence’ that is being featured on Apple TV.
Stiller discussed his tennis experienced which featured himself, Nadal, Juan Martin Del Potro and an eight year old girl.
“I got to know [Nadal] a little bit about 7 or 8 years ago,” said Stiller. “He invited me a few years back to see an exhibition match at Madison Square Garden which was really exciting.
“We got to sit in the front row. It was him and Juan Martin Del Potro another amazing Argentinian player. And about halfway through the match, Nadal stops and he goes ‘Wait, should we make it doubles?'”
Stiller was called out from the crowd which naturally led to the crowd exploding with excitement.
“It’s like a dream come true to be in Madison Square Garden and people start cheering and it’s also this nightmare that’s happening simultaneously, because I realise I really don’t play tennis.”
Rafael Nadal news: Spanish wizard says Medvedev will become no 1
Stiller was soon to be humbled after Del Potro asked an eight-year-old girl in attendence to be his doubles partner.
“Immediately I just died inside because I knew there was no way to get out of this thing. Because if I hit a winner on the eight year old girl everybody hates me and I don’t have enough skill to hold it back because I’m all or nothing.
“So Nadal serves it and the girl hits it back perfectly across the net, the crowd cheers. It comes to me, boom, right into the net. Basically we played four more points, every time the girl hits it, every time I hit it back into the net.
“And Del Potro puts the girl on his shoulders, they’re cheering. I didn’t make eye contact with Nadal, my wife, anybody.”
Latest
-
Tennis NewsFormer Dutch No 1 says ATP top 20 is weaker than a decade ago, urges sport to move with the times
Robin Haase on the state of the game.
-
Tennis NewsWATCH: Novak Djokovic rewards youngster after his lost credit card is returned at basketball match
This way for some wholesome content featuring Novak Djokovic.
-
Tennis NewsCarlos Alcaraz hopes to inspire ‘beast’ Fernando Alonso to a 33rd F1 race win
Carlos Alcaraz a big fan of Fernando Alonso.
-
Tennis NewsHolger Rune wants to ‘put on a show on court’ and hopes to be part of new Big Three
Holger Rune to become one of the great entertainers in tennis?
-
WTA TourBianca Andreescu’s fresh injury update as medical results are revealed
Bianca Andreescu has got the medical results back on the ankle injury she suffered in Miami.
-
-
Tennis NewsBillie Jean King could be awarded Congressional Gold Medal
Billie Jean King could become the first female athlete to receive the Congressional Gold Medal.
-
ATP TourATP Rankings: Daniil Medvedev can break back into to four
The ATP Rankings are set for a shake-up next week.
-
WTA TourSorana Cirstea stuns Aryna Sabalenka for first WTA 1000 semi-final in a decade
Sorana Cirstea took advantage of a trio of double faults from Aryna Sabalenka.
-
Davis CupDavis Cup Finals group stage draw does Great Britain no favours
Leon Smith’s side defeated Colombia away to secure a place in the finals.