MUMBAI: Just ahead of the start of Wimbledon multiple Grand Slam tennis champion, Rafael Nadal has joined online poker site PokerStars, lending his support to the site and inviting sports fans to join him in playing the popular game of poker.

Nadal is keen to learn the game of poker. Through mentorship with PokerStars pros and playing online, Rafa will draw on many of the skills he uses to such great effect on the tennis court to improve his game one step at a time.

Nadal said, "It‘s no secret that I love to compete and try my very best in everything, whether that‘s tennis, golf or video games. When I discovered the game of poker, I chose to join PokerStars because they understand what it takes to be the best and associate themselves with the qualities of champions. I‘m very happy to be working with them."

Nadal will play poker in spare moments this summer while he concentrates on tennis. Later in the year, he will be able to devote more time to poker and be representing PokerStars in online tournaments, in advertising campaigns and at charity events. Details of these will be announced in the coming months.

PokerStars chairman of the board Mark Scheinberg said, "Rafa Nadal represents all that is great about competition - the mix of talent, intellect, dedication and mental strength that you find in champions in every sport. We are proud to have Rafa as an ambassador for the brand and excited at the opportunity to help him enjoy and improve his game."

Nadal joins athletes who have chosen poker as their "other game" and who play with PokerStars, including other Olympic medallists.

Nadal will play a key role in introducing new players to the game of poker, particularly in Spain where online poker is surging in popularity following the recent awarding of government licenses to operate online poker.