Rafael Nadal Endorses PokerStars

Spanish tennis champ Rafael Nadal has signed up as an ambassador for the PokerStars gaming site, just a few days before he chases his third Wimbledon title and just a few weeks after online poker was legalized in his home country.

Nadal, 26, has done it all, having won 11 grand slams - including seven French Open titles - and an Olympic gold medal as well. The tenacious Spaniard said in the announcement of his PokerStars deal that he loves to compete, and would be bringing that same competitive spirit we see on the tennis court to the poker table.

Rafa will play online poker in his spare time this summer, in between aiming to win Wimbledon and the US Open. He will represent PokerStars in online tournament, advertising campaigns and charity events. Details of all the events Nadal will be involved in will be released in the coming months.

Rafa joins a stable of elite athletes who have chosen poker as a part-time pursuit. PokerStars' Team SportStars already includes former German tennis champion Boris Becker, Swedish cross-country ski champ Marcus Hellner, and the favourite of all male field hockey spectators - Dutch star Fatima Moreira de Melo.

Big names have been involved with Team PokerStars in the past, including actor Jason Alexander and a number of other entertainment and sports celebrities. Which just goes to show that online poker is a game that can be involved by all - whether the average punter or the household name.