New European Tour winner Tom Lewis had to pinch himself when he found himself sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with 10-time tennis Grand Slam winner, Rafa Nadal.

Nadal, who plays off a four handicap, again played alongside Castellon Masters tournament host, Sergio Garcia in the Pro-Am.

Tom Lewis rubbing shoulders with Rafa Nadal and Sergio Garcia

The Spanish tennis ace had flown in China after losing Sunday’s Shanghai Masters final to new World No. 3 and British No. 1 Andy Murray.

“I never dreamt of ever sitting beside Rafa, I used to watch him on TV,” said Lewis.

“I just hope it’s going to be a good week. It’s my first time here, I’m enjoying it. Last year there was a young winner, I expect to be a young winner this year too.”

And while Lewis spoke of his achievement last Sunday in Portugal, Nadal was specially asked by www.golfbytourmiss.com what advice would he give to someone like Lewis or a young tennis player who wins early in their pro career.

“My advice to someone like Tom would be calm and be patient but continue to work hard on their game so that they keep improving,” said Nadal.

“That is the most important thing to keep improving as that it is the only way to maintain the enthusiasm and the passion for the game.

“But then he might not need my advice because after what he did last week, Tom seems like he is very comfortable in his new environment.”

And Nadal was also full of praise for Manuel de los Santos, the golfer who lost a leg some years back in a motor vehicle accident.

“Manuel de los Santos is an example for society,” said Nadal.

“It was fun as we all got better as we went along so it’s been a great day for enjoying golf.

“I’m playing better than last year but then I’ve been travelling a lot and I’ve only been at home six days so I don’t have much time to play golf.”

Nadal has competed in the Pro-Am alongside Garcia for all four Castellon Masters Pro-Am’s and while he has got his handicap down to four the Spaniard is looking to get as low as Pete Sampras.

“I think it’s easier to get to handicap 0.9, like Sampras, rather than winning as many major tennis competitions as him,” said Nadal.

“It takes a long time to be able to be competitive in golf.

“But I have been able to improve my swing when I stop playing as much tennis as I do now.

“It’s also complicated because in golf you only depend on yourself, in tennis you also depend on others.”