ONE of the world’s most iconic football stadiums has undergone a major transformation – into a TENNIS COURT.
And it has staged arguably the most bizarre doubles match of all time.
Thibaut Courtois tried his hand at some tennis on the temporary makeshift court Credit: Instagram @alvarodegrado
Jude Bellingham looked a little less comfortable on the Bernabeu pitch Credit: Instagram @alvarodegrado
Jannik Sinner, Rafael Nadal, Bellingham and Courtois played a doubles match together Credit: Instagram @rafaelnadal
The Bernabeu is the home of and has staged some of football’s biggest matches, including the 1982 World Cup final.
It underwent a and various other epic new features.
But now the Los Blancos’ ground is being used for tennis.
The Madrid Open – currently taking place in the Spanish capital – has linked up with the 15-time European champions.
And the initiative has seen a court built in the middle of the Bernabeu pitch.
Staggering photos showed the .
And then the barely believable friendly knockabout took place.
King of Clay teamed up with Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to take on world No1 Jannik Sinner and .
Courtois more than held his own with some nice swings but Bellingham – who this week – looked a tad uncomfortable with the racquet in hand.
And to make things even weirder and more bizarre, Real president Florentino Perez was the chair umpire.
Fans flooded social media with reaction to the baffling scenes.
One said: “This is the most random and fire crossover ever.”
A second typed: “Nadal on clay in the Bernabeu??? It’s already over before it starts.”
A third replied: “My dose of randomness for the day, week, month, year.”
And a fourth posted: “This isn’t just tennis at the Bernabeu. It’s two different worlds of greatness choosing to collide instead of compete.”
The footballers enjoyed a laugh at the 84,000-seater stadium Credit: Instagram @rafaelnadal
Nadal signed a racquet for the Real and England superstar Credit: Instagram @rafaelnadal
The tennis tournament is actually being staged six miles away at the Caja Magica.
So no competitive matches will take place inside the Bernabeu.
However, top ATP and WTA players will be able to use the temporary court to practise from today until April 30.
Madrid Open CEO Gerard Tsobanian – who saw British stars Jack Draper and – said: “Ever since its first year, the Mutua Madrid Open has stood out above any other tournament on the tour, and it has never stopped implementing initiatives like this one.
“This year’s proposal will undoubtedly raise the bar even higher; initiating a collaboration with one of the best stadiums in the world, the Bernabeu, home of Real Madrid, and will place the Mutua Madrid Open in a unique category that includes only the best.”
However, tennis and football fans were not best pleased with the stunt.
One said: “What a circus of a club.”
Another wrote: “Fussing around like this with the grass in the middle of the season is irresponsible.”
A third moaned: “Frankly, with two seasons in a row in the blanks, I’m not here for this bulls***.”
And a final user commented: “It makes no sense at all. But hey, you’ve got to sell the circus.”
The Bernabeu – which staged an NFL match in 2025 – is not the only sports stadium to be converted to stage tennis.
Each March, the Hard Rock Stadium – home of the Miami Dolphins NFL team – has a tennis court and three-sided stand built into the main arena for the Miami Open.
The latest installation was possible because Real Madrid have three successive away matches.
They beat Alaves at home on Tuesday night, enabling work to start on the court on Wednesday.
They take on Real Betis away on Friday, then have two trips to Barcelona – firstly to face Espanyol on May 3 and then their arch-rivals at the Nou Camp on May 10 in what could be a LaLiga title decider.
Their next home match is not until hosting Real Oviedo on May 14.
And with with six games to go, the title race may well be over by then.
An artist’s impression of what the court would look like Credit: YouTube/Maribel De Jesus
The newly-renovated Bernabeu has staged an NFL match Credit: Getty
The Hard Rock Stadium in Miami gets converted to host the Miami Open Credit: Alamy
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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