Nadal tests his painting skills in Perth

Published January 03, 2020

"It's modern art!" 🤔

They're artists with racquets in their hands, but how do the world's best tennis players fare with brush and canvas?#ATPCup | #Sydney | 🎨 pic.twitter.com/ztxRNo7tge
— ATPCup (@ATPCup) January 2, 2020

So we know the players at the ATP Cup can play tennis, but can they paint? Teams in Sydney and Perth were challenged to create a painting that represents their country in just three minutes.

The results speak for themselves...

🇬🇧#TeamGreatBritain might have an enriched sporting history but how well do they perform with the paint brush? 🎨#ATPCup | #Sydney pic.twitter.com/An2xhGOowV
— ATPCup (@ATPCup) January 3, 2020

"It's something that if my three-year-old had drawn," Great Britain's captain Tim Henman said. "I would be somewhat disappointed."

Over in Perth, Spain's team did its best.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 02: Rafael Nadal of Team Spain signs the team painting during a media session ahead of the 2020 ATP Cup Group Stage at RAC Arena on January 02, 2020 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images) — © Getty Images

Getty Images

But not even world No. 1 Rafael Nadal could save them from a similarly weak result (though they seem pretty pleased with themselves).

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 02: Francisco Roig, Albert Ramos-Vinolas, Roberto Bautista Agut, Rafael Nadal, Pablo Carreno Busta and Feliciano Lopez of Team Spain pose after doing a team painting during a media session ahead of the 2020 ATP Cup Group Stage at RAC Arena on January 02, 2020 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images) — © Getty Images

Getty Images

At least Japan seemed to have the right idea by keeping it simple.

Teamwork makes the dream work for 🇯🇵 #TeamJapan. 🖌🎨#ATPCup | #Perth pic.twitter.com/QWJsIGrC5t
— ATPCup (@ATPCup) January 2, 2020

The ATP Cup got underway on Friday, with Canada and Australia winning in Brisbane, Norway and Russia winning in Perth and Belgium winning in Sydney.